Currently, the UK Government is facing mounting pressure to meet its climate goals of decarbonising electricity by 2035 and heat supply by 2050.
The report highlights geothermal energy as a largely untapped resource that can provide firm, reliable power and heat, complementing existing renewable sources like wind and solar. It argues that with appropriate government support, geothermal could supply up to 20 percent of the UK's electricity needs, while revitalising economically disadvantaged regions.
The report recommends that the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero:
Raises awareness of next-gen geothermal as a key renewable firm power and heat solution.
Removes specific regulatory and legal bottlenecks that currently obstruct development.
Ensures geothermal energy projects fully benefit from Contracts for Differences (CfD).
Allocates new government funds to facilitate the development of EGS and support local councils in conducting techno-economic assessments.
Authors Tim Lines, Dani Merino-Garcia, Drew Nelson, and Keegan Harkavy emphasise the economic and environmental benefits of geothermal energy, particularly in regions like the South-West, North-East, and Northern Ireland, which could see significant job creation and cost savings from this technology.
The report also underscores the strategic opportunity for the UK to reclaim its early leadership in geothermal energy.
“Geothermal energy offers the UK a unique opportunity to secure a clean, reliable, and domestic energy source” said Julia Willemyns, co-founder and co-director of UK Day One. “By acting now, the UK can lead the world in this rapidly evolving field, while simultaneously addressing our own energy security and economic challenges.”
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