Geothermal energy is a natural form of renewable energy generated from the heat of the earth’s core. This heat continuously travels through the earth’s layers, warming rocks and aquifers. Developments in drilling technology and geophysical techniques mean that systems can be engineered at depths in excess of 5km.

Geothermal energy can be used for electricity production, or to provide heating for commercial, industrial and residential buildings.  It is ideal for providing heat to district heating schemes, universities and hospitals.  It can also be used in industrial processes, such as cooling, or in aquaculture and horticulture. Deep geothermal can also result in production of the critical mineral Lithium carbonate.

Independent analysis shows that the UK’s deep geothermal potential equates to 4% of our electricity demand and 20% of heat demand.  The technology could therefore make a substantial low carbon contribution to the UK’s energy mix.  There is also the potential to significantly expand the drilling, geophysical, manufacturing and support sectors in the UK.

The REA was successful in securing a dedicated Renewable Heat Incentive tariff for deep geothermal heating that makes heat projects in well suited areas viable. We have also secured changes to planning regulations that make it easier to develop projects in the UK.

The REA is the secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Deep Geothermal 

For more detailed information on the APPG, see here.

If your company would like to support the REA’s work for the deep geothermal sector by becoming a member, please email [email protected]

Securing a future for Deep Geothermal heat – 2021 campaign

REA worked to secure a long-term future for deep geothermal development here in the UK. The potential for deep geothermal used to heat homes and buildings is significant and closure of the RHI puts at risk those plants that are soon to be developed. In 2021 the REA campaigned to convince Government to provide support after the RHI closed in March 2021 to ensure that these plants get built, thereby enabling an industry to be established and through learning, costs for future plant to fall. Also, REA is working to ensure deep geothermal retains a viable strike price under the CFD mechanism for power production.

To convince Government that deep geothermal is important and should be supported, REA commissioned ARUP to produce a report on the potential for geothermal in the UK, and the socio-economic benefits and carbon savings it will deliver. The report can be found here.

The Geothermal Energy Forum is a dedicated member Forum within the REA, helping to drive growth in this high potential sector.  Created following the acquisition of GEAA by the REA which was completed at the end of 2025.