Could we build an integrated, commercially attractive, low-carbon, geoenergy business in the UK? : Geological Society Discussion Group

Event abstract

The UK’s low carbon geoenergy resources – geothermal energy, net-zero carbon high calorific gas, storage options for CO2, hydrogen, compressed air, geothermal heat, and critical minerals required for the energy transition - are currently unused, or at best underused, partly because the scale of these resources is often poorly defined, and the regulatory framework is not fit-for purpose, but mainly because it is difficult to justify the huge investment required to develop these different resources individually.  

But what if we used the economic synergies arising from the co-location of these resources, together with new renewable energy sources, a reconfigured and upgraded power grid, and repurposed existing oil & gas infrastructure, to provide multiple income streams? Could we create a sustainable, low-carbon, low-environmental-impact energy future for the UK by integrating a more distributed network of surface and subsurface energy systems and reusing their associated by-products, that could act as a model for Europe and beyond?  

Would this be commercially viable? If so, where would the main energy hubs be? What would the business model look like? What would be the main technical, commercial and social challenges, and how could these be addressed? How could we ensure engagement and adoption by local communities? 

UK Energy Futures, a new industry-backed research consortium of geoscientists, engineers and social scientists led by Durham University, in collaboration with Newcastle University, Liverpool University, Manchester University and Royal Holloway University of London, is working to find the answers.   

To reserve your place please contact the Group Secretary at jnbgeo@protonmail.com