The United Kingdom’s geothermal energy potential is gaining momentum, with a new report outlining a pathway for the resource to become a cornerstone of the nation’s energy system. Released today, , by Project InnerSpace, The Future of Geothermal in the UK details the technical and policy steps needed to unlock the heat beneath the country, potentially lowering energy bills and bolstering energy security.
The report, a collaborative effort involving twenty authors from over ten institutions including Newcastle University, Durham University, Imperial College, and the National Geothermal Centre, estimates a total technical potential of approximately 3,900 gigawatts for heating and cooling – enough to meet current demand for over a thousand years. For electricity generation, the potential reaches roughly 25 gigawatts, equivalent to 75 percent of the UK’s annual electricity consumption.
Geothermal energy, utilizing heat from within the Earth, is not a new concept to the UK. Historical use dates back to Roman times, with the Roman Baths in Bath being a prime example of naturally heated groundwater. However, modern advancements in technology are now enabling wider application, particularly in addressing the country’s heating needs.
“The United Kingdom stands at a historic energy crossroads,” said Drew Nelson, Vice President of Programs, Policy, and Strategy at Project InnerSpace. “This report shows that harnessing the heat beneath our feet—starting with practical deployments through heat networks and anchor customers like the NHS—can lower bills over time, strengthen energy security, and create high-quality jobs. The opportunity is vast, and it’s one we can seize now using the skills and technologies the UK already has.”
The report highlights the scalability of geothermal projects, drawing lessons from existing UK heat projects. It proposes a policy roadmap with 26 recommendations focused on accelerating geothermal development, prioritizing heat applications while also enabling targeted electricity generation where resources allow. A target of 15 GW of heat and 1.5–2 GW of power deployment by 2050 is proposed.
A key finding is the potential to leverage the UK’s existing oil, gas, and mining skills and supply chain for geothermal development. This could facilitate a smoother transition for the workforce and infrastructure currently supporting fossil fuel industries.
The launch of the UK Geothermal Platform in , a government-funded initiative, is providing crucial data for assessing geothermal potential across the UK. The platform offers national-to-local-scale information on shallow and deep geothermal technologies, including closed-loop systems, open-loop systems, hot sedimentary aquifers, and engineered geothermal systems in granites. The British Geological Survey (BGS) notes that closed-loop systems are technically deployable almost anywhere in Great Britain, though local planning and regulatory constraints apply.
The UK National Geothermal Centre (NGC), founded in , is also playing a critical role in accelerating the uptake of geothermal heat and power. The NGC is working with stakeholders, including the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, utility companies, and investors, to develop a roadmap for integrating geothermal into the UK’s low-carbon energy mix.
According to the BGS, the UK’s geothermal resources could potentially meet the country’s heat demand for a century. This assessment underscores the long-term viability of geothermal as a sustainable energy source. However, the report emphasizes that, unlike other low-carbon technologies, geothermal currently lacks a bespoke, long-term package of policy targets and financial support.
Project InnerSpace’s analysis, based on data from its GeoMap™, suggests that the UK could currently meet nearly a third of its electricity demand with cost-effective geothermal energy, and a significant portion of its heating demand. With appropriate policies and investment, geothermal power could potentially meet almost twice the current electricity consumption and nearly all of the UK’s heating needs.
The report’s publication follows a major seismic survey of geothermal potential in Munich, signaling growing international interest in the resource. The UK study aims to provide a similar level of detailed assessment for domestic development.
The collaborative nature of the report, involving contributions from a diverse range of institutions including the University of Glasgow, ARUP, the Renewable Energy Association, Sidley Austin, Eden Geothermal, Ember Energy, Geothermal UK, Hephae Energy Technology, and Geothermal Wells, demonstrates a broad consensus on the potential of geothermal energy in the UK. The report marks a significant step towards translating research into actionable policy and investment, paving the way for increased collaboration between government, industry, and academia.
