I recently had the opportunity to discuss the future of geothermal energy with Dr Eleanor Hughes, a distinguished energy researcher and key contributor to the newly published report by UK Day One, “Britain’s Buried Power: The Case for Geothermal.” This comprehensive report, a product of a cross-party initiative aimed at crowdsourcing policy ideas from the UK’s research and innovation community, lays out a compelling strategy for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNEZ) to integrate geothermal energy into the UK’s clean energy framework.
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As the interview commenced, Dr Hughes’s passion for sustainable energy solutions was immediately evident. Her enthusiasm for geothermal energy was striking, underscoring her firm belief in its transformative potential. “Geothermal energy is a game-changer,” she asserted. “It provides firm, reliable power and heat, which is essential for complementing intermittent renewables like wind and solar.”
The report highlights the pressing need for the UK to diversify its energy portfolio to meet ambitious climate goals. The government faces significant pressure to decarbonise electricity by 2035 and heat supply by 2050. Geothermal energy, with its capacity to provide continuous power independent of weather conditions, emerges as a vital solution. “The beauty of geothermal energy,” Dr Hughes explained, “is that it’s available 24/7, unlike solar or wind, which rely on weather conditions. By tapping into this resource, we can ensure a stable and reliable energy supply, which is crucial for energy security.”
To facilitate the growth of geothermal projects, the report makes several key recommendations to DESNEZ. One primary suggestion is to increase awareness of next-generation geothermal technology as a viable renewable energy source. Dr Hughes stressed the necessity of a widespread educational campaign to inform policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public about the benefits and feasibility of geothermal energy. “Raising awareness is the first step,” she noted. “Many people are still unaware of what geothermal energy can offer. It’s not just about drilling holes in the ground; it’s about leveraging advanced technology to access a virtually endless supply of clean energy.”
Another significant recommendation is the removal of regulatory and legal barriers currently impeding the development of geothermal projects. According to Dr Hughes, the existing framework is outdated and obstructive to the rapid advancement required to meet environmental targets. “We need to streamline the regulatory process,” she asserted. “The current system is cumbersome and slow, discouraging investment and innovation. By simplifying the regulations, we can attract more players into the geothermal sector and accelerate the deployment of projects.”
Financial incentives also play a crucial role in fostering geothermal energy development. The report advocates for ensuring that geothermal energy projects benefit from Contracts for Differences (CfD), a mechanism that guarantees a stable revenue stream for renewable energy producers. This financial security is pivotal for encouraging investment in new geothermal ventures. “Financial incentives like CfD are essential,” Dr Hughes said. “They provide the economic stability that investors need to commit to long-term projects. Without such support, it’s challenging to get new geothermal developments off the ground.”
Furthermore, the report calls for new government funding to facilitate the development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and support local councils in conducting techno-economic assessments. Dr Hughes emphasised the importance of government backing in driving innovation and helping regions harness the full potential of geothermal energy. “Government funding can make a significant difference,” she explained. “It can help cover the initial costs of research and development, making it easier for local councils to explore geothermal options and assess their feasibility. This, in turn, can lead to job creation and economic revitalisation, particularly in disadvantaged regions.”
Authored by a team including Tim Lines, Dani Merino-Garcia, Drew Nelson, and Keegan Harkavy, the report highlights the substantial economic and environmental benefits of geothermal energy. Regions such as the South-West, North-East, and Northern Ireland are identified as prime candidates for geothermal development, with the potential to create jobs and reduce energy costs. “These regions stand to gain immensely from geothermal projects,” Dr Hughes remarked. “Not only can they generate clean energy, but they can also stimulate local economies and provide new employment opportunities. It’s a win-win situation.”
As we concluded our discussion, Dr Hughes reflected on the strategic opportunity for the UK to reclaim its early leadership in geothermal energy. She expressed hope that the report would galvanise action and inspire policymakers to embrace geothermal as a cornerstone of the country’s energy strategy. “Geothermal energy offers the UK a unique opportunity to secure a clean, reliable, and domestic energy source,” she said. “By acting now, we can lead the world in this rapidly evolving field while simultaneously addressing our own energy security and economic challenges.”
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and energy independence, the insights and recommendations from “Britain’s Buried Power: The Case for Geothermal” are both timely and compelling. As Dr Hughes eloquently put it, geothermal energy is a buried treasure waiting to be unearthed, promising a brighter, cleaner future for the UK.
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