A new coalition has launched to champion geothermal energy and promote it as a key part of the UK’s clean energy transition. Members – which include TownRock Energy, Causeway Geothermal, and Eden Geothermal – bring together expertise in the form of developers, supply chain, academic experts, and public bodies.
The group aims to unify the sector's voice and advocate for supportive policy frameworks and investment to unlock the untapped potential of geothermal energy in the UK, a coordinating voice for implementation, investment and industry growth.
“We’re launching Geothermal UK to raise awareness of all geothermal technologies delivering decarbonised heat, cooling and power, and to speed up the roll-out of this critical clean energy solution,” said Anne Murrell, founder of the coalition; “Geothermal is local and ready to scale, and is indispensable for our net zero future. European countries such as France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands are already experiencing the benefit of their geothermal resources at scale; it’s time for the UK to catch up.”[i]
The coalition’s launch comes amid growing momentum for geothermal in the UK, with a number of regional initiatives already underway, alongside key supply chain trade bodies, such as OEUK, mobilising for geothermal delivery.
Tom Grand, CCO of Eden Geothermal added: “The UK Geothermal industry can transform the efficiency of the UK energy system by reducing the need for electrification. We are standing on a source of clean, cost-effective energy that can be accessed at scale by working in an aligned way; now is the time to go beyond individual projects and establish the systems that will build a new sustainable industry in the UK [ii]
Geothermal energy harnesses the Earth’s heat, it takes the form of hot water released through geysers, hot springs, steam vents, underwater hydrothermal vents, or can be created by injecting cool water into pockets of dry geothermal heat via drilling- thus creating and releasing steam.
Heat can be captured and used directly from these sources for example to heat buildings, or the released steam can be used to turn a turbine and therefore generate electricity. Low-temperature geothermal energy is obtained from pockets of heat about 150° C (302° F) and can be accessed almost anywhere in the world. Most pockets of this type of geothermal energy are found just a few meters below ground. This form of geothermal energy is most commonly used for heating greenhouses, homes, fisheries, and industrial processes. Geothermal energy may also be co-produced, for example water that has been heated as a byproduct in oil and gas wells. In the US it is estimated that 25 billion barrels of hot water are produced every year as a byproduct from oil and gas drilling.
Presently, 16.3 gigawatts of geothermal power capacity is installed worldwide, and in 2022 geothermal energy delivered 97 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, equivalent to just 0.3 percent of total global electricity generation.
However, recent research from the IEA (International Energy Agency) released in December 2024, found that geothermal could meet up to 15% of global electricity demand growth to 2050. It would see as much as 800 GW of geothermal power capacity established worldwide, producing almost 6,000 terawatt-hours per year, equivalent to the current electricity demand of the United States and India combined[iii].
The IEA’s report claimed that this could be achieved due to advances in technology, which are opening new horizons for geothermal, making it more cost effective. These evolving techniques include horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing honed through the oil and gas developments in North America[iv]. Unlocking around-the-clock geothermal power would help to balance the intermittent solar and wind energy coming onto the grid in places like the United States, China, Europe, and Brazil.
Recently, the US Geological Survey (USGS) made a significant finding in the Great Basin region of the United States. Provisional assessment of geothermal energy potential found that the upper six kilometres (3. 7 miles) of the Earth’s crust within the Great Basin (which covers most of Nevada) could yield 135 gigawatts of geothermal-sourced electricity[v]. This would be equivalent to about 10% of the nation’s current generating capacity as a whole. Notably, geothermal energy currently accounts for less than 1% of the United States generating capacity.
[i] Geothermal UK Launch - press release
[ii] Ibid
[iii] Executive summary – The Future of Geothermal Energy – Analysis - IEA
[iv] Ibid
Lauren has extensive experience as an analyst and market researcher in the digital technology and travel sectors. She has a background in researching and forecasting emerging technologies, with a particular passion for the Videogames and eSports industries. She joined the Critical Information Group as Head of Reports and Market Research at GRC World Forums, and leads the content and data research team at the Zero Carbon Academy. “What drew me to the academy is the opportunity to add content and commentary around sustainability across a wealth of industries and sectors.”
