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Deep geothermal energy

Find out how we can help you if you are thinking about developing a geothermal energy scheme.

In the UK we need to generate 15 per cent of our energy from a mix of renewable sources by 2020. Deep geothermal schemes can help meet renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction targets.

What is geothermal energy?

The core of the earth is hot and in some places this heat is accessible a few kilometres below the earth's surface. Geothermal energy schemes use this heat to generate renewable heat or electricity.

Geothermal schemes

There are two main types of deep geothermal scheme:

  • Conventional geothermal which uses the energy of deep underground sources of hot water by pumping the hot water out of a borehole. The used water can be discharged back to the ground or to surface water.
  • Hot dry rocks where water (from elsewhere) is injected into fractured hot dry rocks, allowed to heat-up, and then taken out of another borehole. The steam or hot water produced can run turbines to generate electricity.

Developing your scheme

Conventional geothermal schemes

If your scheme is abstracting from deep aquifers that discharge to the environment you may need:

a groundwater investigation consent - you will need to contact us directly about this on 0370 8506 506 or by email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

We may also work with developers and planners as part of the planning permission process to ensure the design of the scheme mitigates any risks to the environment.

Hot dry rock schemes

If you need to abstract more than 20 cubic metres of water a day for your hot dry rock scheme you will need an abstraction licence.

Useful contacts

Consult your Local Planning Authority for advice about planning requirements at your site.

Position statement

Our position statement provides an overview of our approach to deep geothermal.

Further information

Ground Source heating and Cooling

Deep geothermal schemes are different to ground source heat and cooling schemes, which operate at much lower temperatures and shallower depths than deep geothermal schemes.

To find out more read our web pages and position statement on ground source heating and cooling schemes.