UK's Geothermal Potential Could Meet Heat Demand for a Century

Professor Jon Gluyas argues that geothermal energy has the potential to transform the UK's energy industry by reducing its dependence on natural gas for heating. Currently, around 70% of UK households use gas for heating, making it a significant challenge to decarbonize and exposing the country to international gas markets.

Leveraging the UK's existing oil and gas expertise, particularly in areas like Aberdeen, could help develop geothermal energy by applying the same subsurface knowledge, drilling capabilities, engineering expertise, and supply chains that have been developed through decades of North Sea activity. The National Geothermal Centre believes this is a critical part of the energy transition.

Developing geothermal energy at scale could reduce demand for natural gas, decrease exposure to imported LNG, improve energy security, and provide a long-term future for many of the skills developed by the UK's oil and gas industry. A recent British Geological Survey estimates that the UK's geothermal resources could meet heat demand for a century.

Dr Charlotte Adams, CEO of the National Geothermal Centre, is leading efforts to develop a roadmap outlining pathways to make geothermal a consistent part of the UK's low-carbon energy mix. This includes advocating for change where required, improving investor confidence, and creating frameworks that allow private capital to flow.