Comment by Stephanie Parker, Senior Advisor Decarbonisation – Complex Sites at Energy Systems Catapult.

I recently attended a government-industry geothermal roundtable looking at how to accelerate the uptake of geothermal technologies across the UK. While there was recognition that perhaps geothermal might not have managed to break through in the Spending Review, the attendance of government colleagues from across the UK and the enthusiasm for collaboration with industry was evidenced throughout the day.

The British Geological Survey delivered a great presentation looking at the opportunities for shallow, deep, and mine water projects. Eyes were firmly on the enormous reservoir of untapped geothermal potential beneath our feet to provide low carbon heating – including heat networks – cooling, storage, and power.

How do we get this done?

Collaboration between government and industry is a great start. Having worked in the civil service for ‘a while’ I know how difficult it is to put compelling cases to Ministers, particularly about technologies that, for the most part, don’t cross into the public consciousness very often.

Industry speaking with one voice can seriously help and even better if they are willing to work with officials to provide data and evidence to inform Ministerial advice. Real success stories like those provided by Kensa and Eden Geothermal are dial movers, a great visit with a Minister can drive interest and action. The aim of having a robust set of policies that support geothermal is spot on, and I feel hopeful that the Geothermal UK collaboration can go a long way to getting the UK there.

Drill and deliver

Understanding how we address the barriers which prevent geothermal adoption across all the stakeholders involved, of which there are many, will be critical to making progress. Site owners and operators, suppliers, installers, local authorities, government and organisations like Energy Systems Catapult with a role in innovation all need to work together.

One area where we’ve been making inroads, is tackling the complexity of installing ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) in comparison to other technologies, particularly air source heat pumps (some optimism here as we know fossil fuel systems are still being installed!). The drilling element needs careful consideration and increases project risk significantly, putting off some organisations from even considering GSHP as an option, even though it could be well suited to their site.

To take a small step to combat this problem we’ve worked with the British Geological Survey, NHS England, and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to produce an innovative – and free – screening tool. This tool means a public sector organisation can enter their location and provide simple information about their site and get a quick assessment of whether a GSHP is a favourable option.

The results tell the organisation about the geology of their site’s location and the costs and carbon savings of different options, comparing their current fossil fuel system to a GSHP and air source heat pump options. If GSHPs are a favourable option, organisations can then go on to talk to specialists to really ‘drill’ into the specifics of their site. You can check out the tool here.

From heat mapping to mobilisation

I’m looking forward to the next government–industry gathering, where we’ll shift from strategy to action. Our goal is simple: turn these conversations into the policies, projects and partnerships that will drive ground‑source heat forward.

Homeowners and larger buildings are already installing GSHPs one by one, but a real opportunity lies in heat networks. The Climate Change Committee’s balance pathway suggests that about 19% of heat installations in 2040 will be heat networks, so a huge potential role for geothermal.

At the recent roundtable, we agreed on two priorities: first, quantify our geothermal resources so everyone – from ministers to local planners – knows exactly what we’re working with; second, tell that story in a way that sparks curiosity and spurs action. Technical reports are important, but so are clear visuals, local case studies and hands‑on demonstrations.

If you’d like to explore GSHP adoption, our new guidance and mapping tool, or any other aspect of site decarbonisation, please get in touch.