Huge underground source of green energy going untapped, report claims 13 May 2021
Professional Engineering
A geothermal energy plant in Iceland. The report from REA and Arup claims deep geothermal heat energy could revolutionise energy use in the UK (Credit: Shutterstock) A vast underground source of heat energy is currently going untapped in the UK, a new report has highlighted, and it could transform energy use if accessed widely.
Deep geothermal heat energy could be deployed in urban areas to heat thousands of large properties, according to the report, which was published today (13 May) by the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) and Arup.
The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) and ARUP have published their
Deep Geothermal Energy: Economic Decarbonisation Opportunities for the United Kingdom report which underlines the environmental and economic potential of deep geothermal.
It has the backing of over 30 businesses, academics, NGOs and industry experts.
The report estimates that, should the UK Government establish a Geothermal Development Incentive, 12 deep geothermal projects could be operational by 2025, creating 1,300 jobs and generating more than £100m of investment, predominately in towns and cities in the north of England, Midlands and South-West.
The scheme would provide a catalyst to the industry, with 360 sites being established by 2050.