Driving geothermal innovation: Our Salix team joins stakeholders to accelerate net zero progress
Unlocking underground potential and how collaboration is key for a low-carbon future
Harnessing the natural heat beneath our feet, geothermal energy is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of sustainable power generation.
At Salix, we are proud to be working with three major geothermal projects across England that have successfully secured funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
As this innovative field grows, understanding the challenges and opportunities surrounding geothermal development is essential.
Earlier in October, representatives from our team attended a geothermal workshop focused on the future of deep geothermal energy in the UK. The government Geothermal working group was organised by Geothermal UK. It brought together stakeholders from across government, industry, and the public sector to explore geothermal role in decarbonising heat, enhancing energy security, and unlocking long-term economic value.
We are currently working with geothermal projects at the University of York, Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. All three projects have received grant funding under Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
Assistant director, energy, carbon and technical at Salix Davide Natuzzi said: “We’re excited to be part of the geothermal projects being developed at York, Birmingham and Chester.
“Geothermal power in the UK faces the challenge of relatively low natural heat flow, but with innovative technologies and targeted investment, it has the potential to provide a reliable and sustainable source of low-carbon energy.
“We are looking forward to seeing how a range of expert stakeholders work together and at Salix to be part of that conversation.”
Collaborative discussions on the future of geothermal
The workshop was structured around five focused working groups, each addressing a key area in geothermal development.
Working group: size of the prize
This group explored the scale of the UK’s geothermal potential, discussing:
- Mapping geothermal resources across the UK
- Assessing market opportunities and economic benefits
- Evaluating geothermal role in energy security and decarbonisation
- Estimating employment and supply chain impacts
Understanding the scale of this opportunity is crucial to positioning geothermal as a significant contributor to the UK’s energy mix.
Working group: viable business models
This group, aimed at investors, focused on developing commercial models that attract investment and ensure project longevity.
Director of public sector decarbonisation at Salix Ian Rodger, said: “It’s fascinating to be involved in this government and industry collaboration looking at where geothermal fits into the future net zero landscape in the UK.
“It shows the value of the unique role that Salix plays. Our work with the three Phase 4 geothermal projects gives us a powerful voice in how these projects can be funded and delivered.
“Our close links with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the devolved governments also allow us to help this group describe the benefits and outcomes of geothermal in language that politicians and other key stakeholders will understand.”
Working group: robust technical datasets
This group highlighted the importance of high-quality, accessible data to support project development, reduce risk, and accelerate deployment.
Discussions focused on:
- Identifying the types of technical data needed to unlock geothermal potential
- Gathering information from multiple sources, including the oil and gas sector
- Developing a central, accessible data platform
- Mapping data requirements from an investor’s perspective throughout project lifecycles
Improved data sharing was recognised as a catalyst for sector growth, enabling replication and scaling of successful geothermal projects.
Working group: regulatory and assurance frameworks
This group examined ways to streamline regulation, ensure safety and oversight, and build confidence among insurers and permitting authorities.
Senior energy and carbon programme manager at Salix Sebastian Lunt, said: “The geothermal workshop highlighted the huge opportunity to utilise the heat beneath our feet in the UK's journey to net zero, but also the hurdles that must be overcome to establish geothermal heat and power as a significant part of the renewable energy mix.
“Novel and available financing, improved data sharing, streamlined regulations, and the development of end users all need to evolve in the years ahead to meet the ambitious targets set by the group. I’m confident that the experts in the room can catalyse and solve these challenges.”
Working group: integration into infrastructure
This group explored how geothermal can be integrated into the UK’s broader infrastructure landscape, including:
- Integration with district heating networks and industrial clusters
- Opportunities within urban planning and regeneration
- Alignment with national and local infrastructure priorities
The workshops were highly productive, with clear actions assigned to participants. The groups agreed to reconvene within the next six months to review progress, share insights, and drive forward the development of the UK geothermal sector.
Why it matters
Deep geothermal represents a largely untapped, low-carbon heat source that can significantly contribute to the UK’s net zero goals. Unlike intermittent renewables, geothermal provides stable, continuous energy, making it a vital complement to other clean technologies.
Our participation in this workshop reflects our commitment to exploring innovative, sustainable energy solutions. We are particularly interested in how geothermal could support decarbonisation across the public estate and strengthen the UK’s long-term energy resilience.
