First phase of campus geothermal energy project nears completion
A project exploring the potential to use geothermal energy on campus is progressing well, with phase one nearing completion.
The geothermal energy work forms part of the Net Zero Delivery Plan, which sets out the key projects that will help achieve the University's target of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Delivering Net Zero is one of seven principles in the University's Climate Plan.
Exploring geothermal energy on campus
Work began in February to drill a series of boreholes to depths of 150m to 250m at locations around campus, including the Henry Price hall of residence, the Maurice Keyworth and Mechanical Engineering buildings.
The current phase of the project is nearing completion, with sites expected to be restored to normal use by mid-summer. Thank you to all our staff and students for their flexibility and resilience during any disruption that the work may have caused.
Early tests suggest the presence of favourable ground conditions for developing a geothermal heat pump system on campus. The rock layers beneath the site are proving to have significant capacity for flow of groundwater which would be used to bring heat to the surface for use in nearby buildings. Testing is continuing to confirm the scale of the ground water resource.
A collaborative Living Lab project
The Geothermal Campus project forms part of a Living Lab contributing to teaching and learning opportunities at the University, with several student groups having already visited the sites.
This project is being delivered collaboratively with the Estates team and Sustainability Service in the Facilities Directorate, Geosolutions Leeds and specialist contractors from ANTS Drilling and engineering firm Buro Happold. Researchers from Geosolutions Leeds are collecting and analysing data to understand if this approach could be expanded not just across campus, but also across the region and the UK.
Want to find out more about geothermal energy and how it helps us get to net zero?
Come along to an interactive session hosted by researchers from Geosolutions Leeds with first-hand experience exploring what is going on beneath our feet!
You can find out more and book your spot now.
You can also find out more about the project on the Estates project page and the Sustainability Service website.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. Our pathway to net zero is linked to the following SDGs:
- Goal 13: Climate action
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
Find out more about our impact on the SDGs.
