Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Geothermal Energy — [Mr Laurence Robertson in the Chair]

15 September 2021 · 8 other contributors · 9,862 words

Opened by Owen Thompson SNP Midlothian

Responding minister: Anne-Marie Trevelyan

ClimateEnergy

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Owen Thompson raised concerns about geothermal energy — [mr laurence robertson in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about limited progress in geothermal energy extraction in the UK despite its potential to supply about 100 years' worth of heat.
  • Mr Owen Thompson calls for a clear geothermal roadmap and reliable financial incentives from the Government to support development.
  • The Minister acknowledges the importance of geothermal energy in achieving net zero by 2050 but notes challenges such as high capital costs and geological uncertainties.

Key requests to Government

Mr Owen Thompson calls for a clear geothermal roadmap and reliable financial incentives from the Government to support the development of geothermal energy. He wants streamlined regulations that underpin projects and highlights the need for cross-border research initiatives.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Owen Thompson SNP Midlothian

Mr Owen Thompson is concerned about the limited progress of geothermal energy extraction in the UK despite its vast potential. He highlights that heating and hot water make up around 40% of the UK's energy consumption, and estimates suggest that geothermal resources could deliver about 100 years' worth of heat supply for the entire country. However, he notes that challenges such as ownership, planning frameworks, upfront costs, regulatory issues, and site identification must be addressed to fully exploit this potential. He also mentions specific projects like the Shawfair mine-water project in Midlothian, which stalled due to ownership issues.

Other contributors (8)
  • Alan Whitehead Lab Southampton, Test

    Mr Whitehead highlighted the successful operation of a geothermal energy plant in Southampton since 1986. He noted that while geothermal energy has been beneficial and reliable, there is only one operational site in the UK, compared to hundreds in Europe. He expressed concern about the lack of Government support for geothermal development after March 2021.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon discussed the potential of renewable energy, particularly geothermal energy. He mentioned an Electric Storage Company based in Northern Ireland that stores and harnesses renewable energy for future use. Shannon emphasized the importance of exploring innovative methods to produce clean energy without relying on overseas production. He noted a study suggesting the UK could meet its entire 2015 energy demand through geothermal resources theoretically, but acknowledged practical limitations. Shannon expressed concern about Chinese investment in projects like the Aberdeenshire renewable park and advocated for British funding. Mr Shannon encouraged Northern Ireland to take advantage of the opportunities presented by geothermal energy and emphasised the need for collaboration among regions to achieve collective gains.

  • Jo Gideon Lab Stoke-on-Trent Central

    She praised the UK's opportunity for geothermal energy extraction, highlighting Stoke-on-Trent as a pioneer city with ideal geological conditions. The district heat network project in Stoke-on-Trent has received £20 million from the Government and could reduce carbon emissions by 11,000 tonnes per year while generating heat for around 4,000 homes. She called on the Minister to confirm that geothermal energy will be within the scope of the new £270 million green heat network fund running from 2022 to 2025.

  • Jonathan Gullis Lab Stoke-on-Trent North

    Celebrated the potential of geothermal energy in ex-coalmining areas, specifically highlighting Chatterley Whitfield colliery as a site with significant geothermal potential. The site could provide heat and power for 500 homes initially through an early pump, which is part of discussions with the Coal Authority.

  • Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle

    The hon. Member supports the use of geothermal energy as a vital tool in achieving renewable goals, highlighting its potential for creating jobs and investment, particularly in Crewe which has a geothermal basin. He calls for Government support similar to that seen in Europe, such as long-term tariffs like the renewable heat incentive at £55 per megawatt of heat for the first 30 sites to attract private sector investment without taxpayer risk. Mr Mullan suggested that there may be unexplored geothermal sites beyond those currently identified, as technological advancements could unlock previously inaccessible sources.

  • Laurence Robertson Con Wolverhampton South East

    Mr Laurence Robertson, in the Chair, encouraged Members to wear masks when not speaking and adhere to social distancing measures as per Government guidance.

  • Mick Whitley Con Birkenhead

    Mr Whitley highlighted the work of Titan Electricity in Birkenhead, which is developing a geothermal process using abandoned oil infrastructure to produce clean hydrogen and power. He mentioned that this technology could convert UK continental shelf oil fields into net zero energy resources by 2030 and create thousands of jobs in left-behind communities.

  • Ronnie Cowan SNP Inverclyde

    Mr Cowan emphasised the potential for geothermal energy to revitalise former coal mining areas and reduce reliance on foreign investment. He highlighted the viability of unused railway tunnels as a source for geothermal heat, alongside mine water, and stressed the importance of not delaying development due to the long-term costs of inaction.

Government Response

Anne-Marie Trevelyan

I congratulate the hon. Member for Midlothian on securing this debate, highlighting the importance of geothermal energy in achieving net zero by 2050 and reducing climate change impacts. The Government are committed to decarbonising the energy system and supporting economic recovery with investments in low-carbon technologies. Geothermal energy presents challenges due to high capital costs, geological uncertainties, and limited access to large natural resources compared to other countries like Iceland. However, opportunities exist locally and regionally, especially for heat networks using geothermal sources. The Government support projects at acceptable costs and environmentally appropriate manners, engaging closely with industry leaders to assess cost reduction options and risk allocation methods. £9.7 million has been allocated for two shallow geothermal projects in Gateshead and County Durham through the Heat Networks Investment Project. Geothermal power projects are also eligible under the contracts for difference scheme's auction round four launching December 2021, with an additional £31 million invested in UK Geoenergy Observatories for geoenergy-related research. The green heat network fund of £270 million will open in April 2022, expected to include geothermal heat projects.

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