Geothermal Energy Use, Country Update for the United Kingdom

In the reporting period 2022–2025, there has been a sustained resurgence of interest in all aspects of geothermal energy in the United Kingdom (UK), including in the provision of decarbonised heat. Currently, the main area of exploitation are shallow geothermal resources using GSHP (Ground Source Heat Pump) systems. There has been increased activity in pre-feasibility and exploration stages of medium to deep geothermal resources, however exploitation continues to be slow. Sales of shallow geothermal via GSHPs have remained stable or decreased for small-scale residential and commercial schemes (< 50 kWth) due to the end of the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme. Only 3% of grants in the replacement domestic Boiler Upgrade Scheme were for GSHPs. Through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and Heat Network Funds and the predecessors, the number of larger-scale GSHP projects operational has increased. The most significant developments in deep geothermal have been the construction of the power plant at the United Downs Deep Geothermal Project and production of deep geothermal heat at the Eden Geothermal Project, both in Cornwall. Both deep geothermal projects have encountered permeable structures at depth in radiogenic granites. Coproduction of lithium from geothermal brines in these settings is changing the economics of these deep geothermal power or heat projects. A project in Cornwall and another in Weardale gained planning permission for lithium extraction plants, with utilisation of the heat a later consideration. The UK has an increasing number of geothermal research and demonstration sites spanning shallow aquifers, mine water energy and repurposing of hydrocarbon wells. A number of geothermal groups and associations cover different geothermal technologies and sectors, with a corresponding number of conferences, webinars, research grants and publications.