Source:ThinkGeoEnergy – Geothermal Energy News
Original URL:https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/new-report-proposes-next-gen-geothermal-as-solution-to-uks-energy-crisis/
ThinkGeoEnergy – Geothermal Energy News

UK Day One, a cross-party initiative crowdsourcing policy ideas from Britain’s research and innovation community, has released a report titled “Britain’s Buried Power: The Case for Geothermal.” The report outlines a plan for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNEZ )to accelerate the UK’s transition to clean energy while addressing pressing energy security concerns.

This report is released as the UK government faces 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. The report argues that with appropriate government support, geothermal could supply up to 20% ofthe 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.
Heat flow maps of the UK (source: J. Busby et al, 2011 / https://doi.org/10.1144/1470-9236/10-049)

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.”

About UK Day One (UKD1)

Established in January 2024, UK Day One is a non-partisan initiative crowdsourcing policy ideas from Britain’s research and innovation community to accelerate scientific progress and economic growth.

For further details, please contact Julia Willemyns at julia@ukdayone.org (Co-director and Co-founder, UK Day One)

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