GEOTHERMAL TECHNOLOGY
Three types of proven geothermal technology are available to meet heating demands in the UK;
-
Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) systems
-
Augmented GSHP systems
-
Open loop systems
For power generation deep and novel systems are applied.
The technology applied at a given location will depend on the geological conditions and specific heat requirements.
Wherever you are in the world, the rocks get hotter with depth. This is known as the geothermal gradient.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Open Loop
Deep/novel systems
Ground Source Heat Pumps & Augmented GSHP:
-
Heating and cooling
-
Commercial and domestic applications
-
Depths from surface to 1,000m
-
Temperatures from 10 to 40°C
-
Open or closed loop systems
-
GSHP available almost everywhere
-
Augmented systems can be supplied with warm water from boreholes or flooded mines
Open loop:
-
Heating and cooling
-
Commercial and domestic applications
-
Depths from near surface to 2,500m
-
Temperatures up to 100°C
-
Pairs of boreholes; production and injection
-
Purpose-drilled or repurposed
Deep and novel systems:
-
Electricity production and Combined Heat and Power
-
Commercial and infrastructure applications
-
Depths of 2,500m to 6,000m
-
Temperatures up to 200°C
-
Best suited to areas with high geothermal gradients, such as Cornwall
