Welcome to the first update on the University of York’s Deep Geothermal Energy Project; a transformative initiative which will leverage the Earth’s natural heat to provide sustainable energy solutions for our campus and potentially the wider community. We’re excited to share our progress, engagement activity and next steps.
Project highlights to date
Project launch and website live
9 April - Our project was publicly announced with key internal and external stakeholders informed. A project web page was created, featuring project information and FAQs to support understanding.
Community engagement
3 June - Attendance at Good Neighbours meeting.
11 June - Open Day in collaboration with Echo Geo to hear about seismic survey planned for September 2025 (60+ attendees).
Public and national engagement
17 June - Presented project at UK Geothermal Task Force.
24 June - Supported Salix as a guest speaker at the EAUC Conference to help raise profile of the project.
LED lighting upgrades
As part of the project, lighting across the campus is now being upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs. Work on this upgrade has now commenced.
Spotlight: Open Day
On 11 June, we welcomed over 60 people to our Open Day in the Ron Cooke Hub atrium on Campus East. Held in collaboration with Echo Geo, our seismic survey delivery partners, the event brought together local residents, landowners, staff, students, and members of the wider community.
The day offered a chance for people to learn more about the project, discover how deep geothermal energy works, and understand why it matters for the future of sustainable energy. It was also a valuable opportunity for local residents and landowners to find out about the upcoming seismic surveys planned for September 2025. This included learning what to expect from the surveys and how they might impact the local area.
The atmosphere was filled with curiosity and conversation and the event marked a key moment in our efforts to keep the community informed and engaged as the project moves forward.
Echo Geo speaking to local residents at the Geothermal Open Day in the Ron Cooke Hub atrium.
Spotlight: LED lighting upgrades
As part of the project, the University is upgrading lighting in newly connected buildings. These energy-efficient LED installations are now well underway across key areas. So far, work has progressed smoothly in Alcuin K, L, and N blocks, as well as Alcuin A & B and Yorkshire House (RCCS). Despite the of working in busy, operational spaces, teams have delivered high-quality results on time and with minimal disruption, earning positive feedback from staff and students. More than just a lighting upgrade, the improvements are already making spaces brighter, more efficient, and more welcoming while supporting the University’s sustainability goals.
What's coming up
Deep Geothermal Research
Exploring research opportunities aligned to the project, which will support the development of a University of York research vision and help shape future external investment.
Podcast feature
Paul Bushnell, project lead, will speak about the project and geothermal energy in an upcoming episode of “The Decarbonisation Chat” podcast with Salix.
Site selection and well design
Designing the geothermal wells and confirming the exact well site locations.
District Heating Extension
Working with our contractors, Vital Energi, to finalise the design of the district heating extension.
Seismic survey
Working with Echo Geo to deliver the seismic surveys planned for later in 2025.
Geothermal Project update July 2025 (PDF 
, 229kb)
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