The Geothermal Campus project at the University of Leeds - West Midlands Regional Group

During 2024 drilling was carried out at the University of Leeds as part of its Geothermal Campus project, part of wider plans to decarbonise the campus estate by 2030. This presentation will describe the different boreholes constructed to provide open loop wells for an operational ground source heat pump system, as well as monitoring and test boreholes. The holes primarily target the Elland Flags sandstone aquifer, part of the Middle Pennine Coal Measures, but cored pilot wells and one closed loop borehole extend deeper to identify the Rough Rock of the Lower Pennine Coal Measures that may also be a suitable host reservoir. Initial results have proved extremely positive with advantageous groundwater conditions in the aquifer meaning the design of a hybrid GSHP-ASHP energy centre is proceeding.

As well as providing a working energy system for campus decarbonisation, the project also provides a platform for research, student education and wider engagement around geothermal energy. The talk will therefore additionally present details of how the drilling was accompanied by an intensive communications initiative with staff, students and local communities, to inform and allay any concerns about drilling, especially where close to student residences. The results of the project are also being leveraged to support several research projects in the city. Work around understanding how shallow geothermal solutions can feed into the development of future Heat Network Zones, and how the subsurface can support power system flexibility and renewables integration through grid balancing will also be described. These projects are all examples of how working across the geoscience, engineering and policy spheres can deliver enhanced impact through sustained collaboration.

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