What, why, where and how
Geothermal Energy in the UK
TownRock Energy is an award-winning geothermal energy consultancy based in Edinburgh, Scotland. We specialise in all aspects of the UK’s geothermal resource.
By David Townsend, CEO & Founder
30–50°C
In the UK the temperature at 1km is typically 30–50°C and increases linearly with depth
45%
of UK energy use is heating
25%
of UK homes sit above coal mines
Geothermal energy has the potential to be the most significant and sustainable source of heating and cooling globally by 2050
Our focused, dedicated team prides itself in its straight-talking approach to this frequently misunderstood renewable technology. We help our clients and partners understand how to unlock the value within the geological asset beneath their site.
The Earth is constantly generating its own heat, primarily from the decay of radioactive isotopes, and will continue to do this effortlessly for billions of years to come.
This very low carbon energy source has already been tapped into all over the world, but we have only scratched the surface as regards unleashing the full potential of geothermal energy.
The UK continues to burn natural gas for heat – but the UK geology is capable of being harnessed to produce a booming geothermal industry akin to the Netherlands.
The team at TownRock Energy has travelled the world to understand best practices and policy for developing geothermal energy, and is now focused on demonstrating the viability of geothermal energy in the UK. We are helping the UK to meet its net-zero carbon 2050 target.
Why Geothermal Energy?
At its simplest, geothermal uses the earth’s subsurface to provide heating, cooling and, in the right conditions, energy generation.
Although the UK doesn’t generally have the high subsurface temperatures found in countries such as Iceland, to be used for energy generation, geothermal is still an abundant resource across the UK to provide heating and cooling for homes, businesses, industry and heat networks.
In almost any location, heat can be extracted from the ground (or from a water body, or from the air) and raised to the required temperature with a heat pump, providing a low-carbon, stable and local resource. When cooling is required, the waste heat can be stored in the ground for when it is needed, enhancing efficiency and cost savings.
Very low carbon, renewable, heating and cooling provision, with a 40+ year lifetime
Only requires electricity to operate, which can be sourced from local renewables or the grid
Often near to areas of heat demand, no visual or noise impact, and generally supported by local communities
- Continuous, controllable, and secure
- Delivers water at stable temperatures, often higher than air- or water-source systems, which often results in lower operating costs
- More affordable than air-source, water-source and all other low-carbon heat sources
- High generating efficiencies results in minimal grid electrical requirements
- Underground thermal energy storage to store and recycle waste heat from cooling demands
- No local air pollution
- Supports a localised circular energy market benefitting the local economy and creating jobs
How does Geothermal Energy work?
Geothermal energy – the use of naturally occurring heat from buried rocks – is a proven sustainable technology. The UK’s geothermal resource is significant and remains largely untapped at present.
In locations such as Iceland magma is near the surface and large quantities of steam can be produced from relatively shallow wells to turn turbines that generate electricity. The UK does not have as high subsurface temperatures, but there is still geothermal heat available across the entire UK.
Geothermal systems can be used to extract the heat in the subsurface, and use it at surface for heating (and cooling!). The heat can be extracted from the subsurface using different technologies, which are outlined in our blog post here. Which technology is suitable for a specific site depends on:
- The geology beneath the site
- How much space is available at surface for drilling geothermal boreholes
- The heat demand of the site
As an independent consultancy, TownRock will assess all types of geothermal (and other low-carbon) technologies to determine which is best suited to meet the needs of our clients.
Where are geothermal resources available?
Ground-source heat pumps can be installed nearly everywhere in the UK. This map highlights the areas of greatest geothermal energy potential.
25% of UK homes sit above coal mines and 7 million UK homes could use mine water heat instead of gas.
“Throughout the project I was impressed with the professionalism and quality of the work that TownRock Energy produced and even more so by the dedication and commitment the team demonstrated, really going ‘the extra mile’.”
Euan Harrison
Senior Programme Manager, Mace Group Limited
“TownRock Energy have certainly made their mark on the nascent geothermal industry in Scotland, and I am sure they will play a significant part in getting this industry to where it needs to be”
Hugh Barron
Business Manager, British Geological Survey
“I have much enjoyed working with TownRock Energy and hope to continue to do so. They are very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and professional, and the work they have completed has been to a high standard.”
Nicholas Poett
Scottish Farmer
What next?
If you are interested in exploring the geothermal potential of your site, contact us.