Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Deep Geothermal Energy

Tuesday 2 June 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kieran Mullan asked about the steps being taken to support the development of deep geothermal energy, highlighting its potential for left-behind communities and as a transition industry for oil and gas workers.
  • The Minister acknowledged the potential of deep geothermal energy, particularly for heat networks, and noted the first deep geothermal project opened in February due to contracts for difference.
  • Graeme Downie inquired about the potential for geothermal energy in West Fife, specifically at a former mining site being regenerated for mixed-use development.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle
Climate Energy
Context

The question stems from the potential of deep geothermal as a renewable energy source, particularly for heat networks in left-behind communities. Industry feedback suggests that current funds are insufficient.

Question

What steps he is taking to help support the development of deep geothermal energy. Deep geothermal has great potential for left-behind communities and can serve as a transition industry for oil and gas workers. The message from industry is that existing funds are not sufficient, and a comprehensive strategy could drive growth.

Answer from Katie White

I pay tribute to the hon. Member for championing deep geothermal. This Government recognise the potential that deep geothermal represents, particularly as a source for heat networks. Our priority is building out heat network infrastructure, which can then connect to any heat source. The green heat network fund and contracts for difference offer opportunities for geothermal projects to demonstrate the potential to de-risk both heat and power. I welcome more conversations with him to ensure that we are making all the right choices.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask of developing a strategy was not addressed, only commitment to further discussions was given.

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Q2 Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle
Climate Energy
Context

The question follows the initial query about supporting deep geothermal. Industry feedback highlights that current funds are inadequate, suggesting a need for government support.

Question

Deep geothermal has great potential for left-behind communities in this country and it is a first-class transition industry for our oil and gas workforce. I welcome the Minister's comments and the positive engagement with the Minister in the other place but the message from industry is that that is not enough, and that the funds that the Minister mentions are not doing the job. A deep geothermal strategy could go a long way, and would not necessarily cost very much. Industry tells us that that in itself would drive growth. Will the Government consider a strategy for deep geothermal?

Answer from Katie White

I thank the hon. Gentleman once again for championing this issue. I know he has been calling for it and I welcome the engagement. It was exciting to see the first deep geothermal project being opened in February, as a result of the contracts for difference, and more projects are coming online as a result. We are prioritising the heat network, but I would welcome more conversations with him to ensure that we are making all the right choices.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask of developing a strategy was not addressed; only commitment to further discussions was given.

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Q3 Graeme Downie Lab Dunfermline and Dollar
Energy
Context

The Comrie colliery site in West Fife has potential for deep geothermal energy, including the regeneration of leisure facilities, housing, and mixed-use development.

Question

West Fife has huge potential for geothermal. In particular, the Comrie colliery development at a former mining site is now being regenerated to create leisure facilities, housing, and other mixed-use development. It has been exploring the possibility of using deep geothermal from the former mine. Will the Minister meet me to discuss this in more detail, and perhaps come to visit the site to see its huge potential?

Answer from Katie White

I welcome my hon. Friend's question. The opportunity to visit sounds fabulous, and I look forward to it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask of meeting the MP was not addressed; only willingness to visit was mentioned without commitment to a formal discussion.

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