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Deep Geothermal Energy project

Exploring geothermal solutions as a transformative step towards Net Zero.

In Spring 2025, the University of York launched a landmark geothermal energy project as a transformative step in its journey to Net Zero. The project aims to cut our fossil fuel consumption by 78% as part of our Sustainability Plan 2030 targets and making a substantial contribution to reducing the City of York’s overall carbon footprint.

This multi-phased initiative will leverage the Earth's natural heat to provide sustainable energy solutions for our campus and potentially the wider community. The project positions the University of York, City and region as a leader in sustainable energy innovation, combining geothermal exploration with our renowned research and educational expertise.

UoY Geothermal Project Update November 2025 (PDF , 1,384kb)

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Project summary

£35 million funding
From the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, delivered by Salix Finance Ltd.
78% fossil fuel reduction
Target for the cut in fossil fuel consumption, part of the University's Sustainability Plan 2030 targets.
A drilling depth of 4km
The depth below the surface where the geothermal wells will be located.
Unique university location
Located on freehold land, placing a project of "UK significance" on a university campus, offering a living lab and inspiring a pipeline of future talent.
3 years duration for Phase 1
Funding secured for initial phase, focusing on generating heat for the majority of campus buildings through a district heating system.
6-7 years phase project for Phase 2
Total projected time to explore electricity generation and expand heat capacity, integrating deep geothermal heat into other district heat networks.
Maximising potential
Exploring future phases as a key part of York’s wider energy transition vision, decarbonising and providing cheaper energy for the City sourced by deep geothermal heat.
55m drilling rig max height
Anticipated maximum mast height of the drilling rig, which will be on site for approximately 1 year (drilling anticipated in 2027).

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Events and community

Information, updates and upcoming events for our local community.

Latest news and updates

Explore the latest news, updates and press releases from our project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about our geothermal energy project.

Featured news

University of York researchers explore opportunities for geothermal energy research.

On 9 June 2026, researchers from across the University of York came together to identify new opportunities for interdisciplinary research linked to the University's geothermal energy project, exploring how deep geothermal developments can support community-centred energy transitions.

Read the full story

About the project

The geothermal well, located on freehold land on York’s Campus East, creates a project of UK significance on a university campus. It will be a catalyst for potential future research projects by creating a “living lab” on campus.

Phase 1 (first three years) - funding secured

The initial three-year phase focuses on generating heat for the majority of university campus buildings. The project has already secured a £35 million government grant to support this crucial first stage, funded by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and delivered by Salix Finance Ltd.

Phase 2 (total six - seven years)

Subsequent phases will explore electricity generation and expand heat capacity, maximising the potential of this renewable resource.

A pathway to clean, reliable energy for York

With further investment and collaboration, we could explore a city-wide geothermal heat network to deliver clean, reliable energy to residents. Creating a joined-up infrastructure serving the City’s communities, including additional geothermal sites, we could deliver on a geothermal vision for York.

This geothermal project is more than just a sustainable energy initiative; it’s a living laboratory that will drive research, educate our students and benefit our community. The project’s location enables us to blend academic curiosity with practical application, providing learning opportunities for our students, all whilst contributing significantly to York’s Net Zero ambitions. The support from the Government is a vital catalyst for this transformative endeavour.

Professor Charlie Jeffrey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of York

Fueling the transition: our progress so far (Year 1)

Project launch
Our project was publicly announced in Spring 2025 with a series of briefings and announcements. We’ve been keeping stakeholders informed through a digital hub to share information, progress and FAQs to support understanding of the project’s potential.
Site location
A successful geothermal project requires an excellent location. This means options predicting favourable sub surface and planning long-term restoration. We have successfully planned to repurpose a disused velodrome for our well creation, working with British Cycling to build an exciting new cycling facility.
National conversations
In June 2025, we presented at the UK Geothermal Task Force and supported Salix as a guest speaker at the annual EAUC Conference to help raise the national profile of the project.
University innovation
The project is acting as a catalyst for potential future research projects, creating a ‘living lab’ for research and inspiring the next generation about deep geothermal technology.
Community engagement
Our first Open Day in June 2025 saw members of our local community come to find out more about the project and hear about the seismic surveys planned for later in the year. Attendees included local residents, sustainability champions, local government representatives and landowners.
Deep geothermal research
In July 2025, we delivered our first deep geothermal research workshop. This brought together University of York researchers to explore and identify critical gaps in current UK and international geo-energy research.
Well design
Collaborated with GeoScience to design the geothermal wells and confirm the exact well site location on Campus East.
Hydrogeological risk model
We worked to model the hydrogeological risk of the project, as well as working closely with the relevant regulatory authorities.
Exploring geothermal with York Environment Festival
In October 2025, we hosted several public open days across the City of York to share project updates, along with a geothermal public lecture to celebrate World Geothermal Day.
Seismic surveys
In Autumn 2025, we successfully completed our seismic survey with our delivery partners, Echo Geo. This essential early-stage work provided a detailed understanding of the geology beneath Campus East and the surrounding areas, helping to inform the project’s feasibility and planning.
In conversation with Salix
Paul Bushnell, project lead, shared the vision behind our geothermal project with Salix. Find out more from episode 32 of The Decarbonisation Dialogue podcast.
LED lighting and roofing upgrades
As part of the project, lighting across the campus has been upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs, along with essential roofing upgrades.
York's meeting with Energy Minister
In February 2026, Rachael Maskell MP and geothermal project leaders met with the Energy Minister Lord Whitehead in Whitehall to discuss how we can decarbonise and provide cheaper energy for the City through district heat networks sourced by deep geothermal heat.
Partnering with our drilling contractors
After undergoing a tender process, we announced our drilling partnership with Marriott Drilling Group in March 2026. A kick-off meeting with Geothermal Targeting and Well Design, Marriotts, British Geological Survey (BGS) and GeoScience.
Window sampling works
In March 2026, we welcomed York Archaeology on site, undertaking window sampling to understand the layers beneath us and assess their archaeological potential.
Planning permission granted
In April 2026, we were granted planning permission with no objections.
3D survey model being created
The British Geological Society (BGS) are underway with interpreting the Seismic Survey and updating the 3D model.
District Heating Extension developments
Vital Energi have been awarded the project. With challenging initial costs, the project team is working closely with Vital to review value engineering options to bring the costs closer to budget.

What is geothermal energy?

Geothermal energy means “heat from the Earth” and comes from the natural heat stored beneath the surface. This vast thermal energy in the Earth’s crust is constantly replenished by heat from the mantle below.

While it's most easily accessed in volcanic regions like Iceland and New Zealand, geothermal resources exist worldwide—even in non-volcanic areas. Around 90 countries are now using geothermal for heat or power, with some drilling deeper to reach the temperatures needed. As a clean, renewable, and low-carbon energy source with a small environmental footprint, geothermal can be used for heating, cooling, and electricity generation. It's already being harnessed across the UK using various technologies.

Infographic: Echo Geo

Why geothermal energy?

The climate emergency, along with concerns over energy security and rising fuel costs, makes it clear that our energy systems need a complete transformation.

We need energy that is locally produced, affordable and built to last. At the same time, urgent action is required to tackle climate change - meaning we can no longer rely on fossil fuels. By 2050, the UK aims to reach Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this, both electricity and heating must be as close to zero emissions as possible. Geothermal energy has the potential to provide renewable electricity and heat 24/7.

Read our geothermal FAQs

Project delivery partners

The project aims to bring together a collaborative team of experts from the University of York, partner universities, and leading industry suppliers and contractors. It is also supported by the British Geological Survey as a research partner and Geoscience Limited as a technical specialist.

Funding

The geothermal project is supported by a £35 million government-funded grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and delivered by Salix Finance Ltd. The University of York is also contributing 12% of matched funding to the project.

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The geothermal energy project is a growing initiative and we’re keen to connect with individuals and groups who are interested in being part of the journey. Whether you’re a member of staff, a student, or part of the local community, there will be a range of ways to get involved as the project develops.

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