Explore the latest news, updates and press releases from our Deep Geothermal Energy Project.
Geothermal news
Featured news
New clean energy exhibition arrives on campus
The University has secured the national touring exhibition, Clean Energy Beneath Our Feet, running until March 2027.
The interactive exhibition from the British Geological Survey explores geothermal energy and connects with the University’s FutureSource geothermal project. With thanks to our hosts, the exhibition is free to explore in the Biology T Block Atrium on Campus West.
University's geothermal drilling rig travelling at a speed of knots towards UK.
As part of the University's FutureSource geothermal project, a powerful drilling rig is currently making its journey from Turkey to the UK.
The 2,000-horsepower Rig 65 is expected to arrive at Immingham in early September, where it will be transported and assembled ahead of drilling in early 2027.
This is a significant step forward for the University, York and the UK’s transition to a low-carbon energy future.
Our geothermal news
The British Geological Survey (BGS)’s “Clean Energy Beneath Our Feet” exhibition is now on display in the Biology Atrium on Campus West, where it will remain from September 2026 until March 2027.
Our geothermal drilling rig is travelling at a speed of knots towards UK. The 2,000-horsepower Rig 65 is expected to arrive at Immingham in early September, where it will be transported and assembled ahead of drilling in early 2027.
We’re celebrating one year of progress with our geothermal energy project annual report 2025/26. The report reflects on a successful first year, showcasing the progress made across project planning and technical development, partnerships, research and education, and stakeholder engagement.
Work is underway to expand the University's district heating network, bringing low-carbon heat to more campus buildings and replacing ageing gas boilers.
While preparations continue for drilling our geothermal well, exciting progress is already being made on how we'll make the most of the energy it produces.
On Tuesday 9 June 2026, researchers from across the University of York came together to explore research opportunities arising from the University's geothermal energy project.
On Sunday 7 June, our geothermal engineering team brought hands-on geothermal science to the Discovery Zone at the York Festival of Ideas 2026.
As part of our geothermal project site investigation works, we had York Archaeology on site undertaking window sampling to understand the layers beneath us and assess their archaeological potential.
Our geothermal team held a kick-off meeting with our key well-drilling partner, Marriott Drilling Group, a big step forward for the University's Deep Geothermal Energy Project.
Rachael Maskell MP and project leaders Paul Bushnell and Matt Thompson met with the Energy Minister Lord Whitehead to discuss how we can decarbonise and provide cheaper energy for the city through district heat networks sourced by deep geothermal heat.
Paul Bushnell, geothermal project lead at the University of York, shares the vision behind our ambitious geothermal project in an insightful discussion with Salix in episode 32 of The Decarbonisation Dialogue podcast.
November has been a significant month for our project, marked by the successful completion of our seismic survey across Campus East and surrounding areas.
Geophysics undergraduate students from the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds recently contributed to our geothermal project.
In November, local residents played an important role in the University deep geothermal project by hosting seismic sensors, known as “nodes”, in their gardens.
A dedicated team of students from the University of York, along with students from Leeds and Durham, were selected to support our seismic survey, an important early step in the University’s deep geothermal project.
Foundation year students from the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology recently visited the University of York’s Energy Centre.
We hosted a range of public events exploring geothermal energy as part of York Environment Festival and World Geothermal Day, 15-17 October. Published on 23 October 2025.
The next step in our journey is a seismic (geophysical) survey, delivered with our specialist contractor, Echo Geo. This important early-stage work will help us map out the geothermal energy heat source. Published on 2 October 2025.
Read the latest article from the Royal Academy of Engineering, exploring deep geothermal energy’s role in the UK’s renewable future. It features insights from Paul Bushnell, Project Director of our geothermal project, on how this initiative is paving the way to a more sustainable energy landscape. Published on 13 October 2025.
Summer 2025 has seen new activity for our geothermal energy project here at the University of York.
As part of the wider project, funding has enabled our campus lighting to be improved with our buildings being upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs. Published on 30 August 2025.
Welcome to the first update on the University of York’s Deep Geothermal Energy Project. We’re excited to share our progress, engagement activity and next steps.
Bringing together UoY researchers to exploring research opportunities aligned to the project. Published on 18 July 2025.
On 11 June, we welcomed over 60 people to our Open Day in the Ron Cooke Hub atrium on Campus East. Published on 13 June 2025.
The University of York launches a landmark geothermal project that aims to cut fossil fuel use across Campus and spearhead the City's Net Zero ambitions. Published on 8 April 2025.
Keep up to date on our progress
We publish regular updates on how our geothermal project is progressing. Read our latest updates below.
Geothermal Annual Report 2025/26
Read our annual report by downloading the link below.
, 13,219kb)Project Update November 2025
Read our November update by downloading the link below.
Project Update September / October 2025
Read our September/October update by downloading the link below.
Project Update August 2025
Read our August update here or download using the link below.
Project Update July 2025
Read our July update here or download using the link below.
Sign up to our mailing list
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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