Glasgow is one of two sites proposed in the Geoenergy Observatories Project led by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the British Geological Survey (BGS), the leading research centre in geoscience. A second site is to be based in England. The Scottish centre will be built in either the ‘Clyde Gateway’ area of Glasgow or in Rutherglen. The Glasgow Geothermal Energy Research Field Site would explore the potential of geothermal energy for the benefit of local communities, as well as offering the opportunity for other areas of innovation and research. The project aims to create an opportunity for research in relation to the geothermal energy potential of the warm waters in the large expanse of disused coal mines under Glasgow. It may be possible to use that water for geothermal energy to heat homes and businesses. The field site proposed for the Clyde Gateway area would comprise a number of boreholes of various depths to research the area’s geology and underground water systems. Measurements would be taken, such as temperature, water movement and water chemistry, and the data monitored and assessed in the coming years. Professor John Luddon, Executive Director, British Geological Survey, said:
“This has the potential to be a world-class research site, attracting globally-leading scientists and engineers, building on Glasgow’s history as a trailblazing city of science."
Added Kenneth Gibson MSP “This is yet another boost to Scotland's renewables industry.
"Realising the potential of geothermal energy may create opportunities for Scotland to lead the way in providing safe and sustainable energy for former mining communities both here and around the world.”
To find out more about the proposed Glasgow Geothermal Energy Research Field Site, visit the BGS at The Legacy Hub, Dalmarnock, Glasgow on Tuesday 5 September 2017 between 14:00 and 20:00.
To find out more about the UK Geoenergy Observatories Project and environmental science that NERC funds, visit nerc.ac.uk and join us at the NERC showcase; UnEarthed. Explore the world at your feet. This showcase will be a free event for all at the Dynamic Earth centre in Edinburgh from 17-20 November 2017. See unearthed.nerc.ac.uk for more details.
