| Abstract |
The stable tectonic setting of the UK limits geothermal aquifer temperatures to 70 to 80°C. An assessment and exploration programme over the past 8 years has proved the existence of several aquifers in deep Permo-Triassic sandstones, which may be suitable for space heating applications, though the coincidence of the better deep aquifer with major load centres is poor. A field trial is being mounted in the city of Southampton, but competition from cheap natural gas limits the scope for substantial economic development in the near future. Considerable research effort is being put into developing the technology of hot dry rock, which would provide the only prospect of electricity generation from geothermal resources and has the potential to meet a significant fraction of the UK's energy needs. |