UK geothermal could generate as much electricity as 9 nuclear power stations

by ClickGreen staff. Published Wed 30 May 2012 09:54

Geothermal report reveals huge potential

Geothermal energy in the UK could generate as much electricity as nine 

nuclear power stations, according to a new report published today.

UK geothermal could generate as much electricity as 9 nuclear power stations

by ClickGreen staff. Published Wed 30 May 2012 09:54

Geothermal report reveals huge potential

Geothermal energy in the UK could generate as much electricity as nine nuclear power stations, according to a new report published today.

The independent technical report confirms the UK has enough deep geothermal resource to match 20% of the UK's electricity demand as well as enough heat for millions of homes.

Engineering consultants Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) have identified geothermal ‘hotspots’ in Cornwall, Weardale, Lake District, East Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Cheshire, Worcester, Dorset, Hampshire, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

And the SKM report found geothermal resources could provide 9.5GW of baseload renewable electricity – equivalent to nearly nine nuclear power stations – which could generate 20% of the UK’s current annual electricity consumption.

In addition, geothermal could provide over 100GW of heat, which could supply sufficient heat to meet the space heating demand in the UK.

However, despite its significant potential, today's report claims the UK support regime is uncompetitive compared to other European countries.