The UK National Geothermal Centre (NGC) was delighted to learn of the Aberdeen Geothermal Feasibility Pilot and had the opportunity to connect with the project team before Christmas to discuss how we could use our contacts and previous experience of both shallow and deep geothermal drilling to support the project.
Aberdeen clearly has a long history of energy innovation and supply and this project has the potential to be key to rejuvenating that history as part of Aberdeen’s sustainable energy future. Not only will the processes developed and data gathered be useful to this project, but also to the wider geothermal sector across the UK and beyond.
Impressively, the pilot is already proving an exemplar for public engagement. This is demonstrated through the number of people that have come forward to host the seismic monitoring equipment at their homes and businesses to enable better imaging of the subsurface prior to any drilling taking place.
The data gathered will be key to understanding more about the subsurface geology in Aberdeen. While the region’s geology is well interpreted offshore having formed the mainstay of internationally leading oil and gas production, it’s less well known in and around the city itself. The results will prove vital to help determine drilling depth and locations.
Looking at the sector as a whole, we truly that there are multiple powerful benefits of using geothermal - including the supply of continuous and controllable low carbon heat and electricity. Given recent global events and the major ongoing uncertainty, the development of UK geothermal allows us to reclaim control of both our energy supply and pricing. There is also particular value in decarbonising the heat demands of our homes and businesses for people who currently heat using oil.
There is a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience associated within the existing oil and gas industry in north-east Scotland and also within its academic institutions. The increased uptake of geothermal provides a significant opportunity to avoid losing these skills and experience from the UK and instead offers a genuine energy transition.
There are over 300 hundred companies in Scotland capable of working in the geothermal sector, however, most of this work currently takes place outside the UK. This needs to change - and it can. Key challenges to overcome, which have been addressed by our neighbours on mainland Europe, is the high cost and risk associated with drilling the first well in addition to the difference between the price of a barrel of oil or gas compared to the price of a barrel of hot water.
Although this project is focused on Aberdeen, most places in the UK have access to geothermal resources that exist in several different forms and geological environments - and are available at various scales. It is therefore increasingly important to consider areas of current and future energy demand and align this with the available geothermal resource.
The resources are increasingly there but the reality is that there needs to be major changes to improve the deployment environment of the UK. This is part of the National Geothermal Centre’s remit, and we’re excited to continue striving towards creating a truly geothermal nation.
About the UK National Geothermal Centre (NGC)
The UK National Geothermal Centre (NGC) is the UK’s independent authority for advancing geothermal energy. It provides expertise, knowledge and support to government, industry, investors and communities to unlock the potential of geothermal as a reliable, low-carbon source of heat and power.
A not-for-profit organisation, the NGC identifies opportunities, addresses technical and regulatory barriers and enables projects to progress from concept to delivery, helping embed geothermal as a key contributor to the country’s energy security and economy.
For more information, visit: https://ukngc.com/
By Charlotte Adams, CEO, UK National Geotherm Centre
