The UK Geoenergy Observatory the first of two new British underground laboratories to assess the potential for geothermal energy projects.
The UK Geoenergy Observatory the first of two new British underground laboratories to assess the potential for geothermal energy projects.
The facility in Glasgow, run by the BGS, comprises 12 boreholes, which are 16-199-m deep and fitted with 319 sensors.
Data from the observatory will help scientists understand the subsurface better, and how heat using warm water from abandoned mines could be used as a renewable energy source for homes and industry.
The facility has already released 19 open data packs, giving scientists access to borehole information, including optical images from up to 199 m underground, environmental monitoring data and live seismic monitoring.
Dr Karen Hanghøj, executive director of the BGS, said: ‘The Glasgow Observatory builds on the city’s industrial past.
‘The data from Glasgow’s abandoned mines will help us understand the processes and impacts of a mine water heat source and potential heat store as a sustainable way of heating homes and businesses in our cities.
‘Over the next 15 years, the network of boreholes will monitor any changes in the properties of the environment below the surface, and help to close the knowledge gap we have on mine water heat energy and heat storage.
‘There is no other publicly funded observatory like this in the world, and it is very fitting that it is located in Glasgow, which will host COP 26 next year.’
Professor Dame Anne Glover, president of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, said: ‘It makes sense that the UK’s first geoenergy observatory is in Glasgow, given Scotland’s geology is world famous.
‘With the government’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, emerging low carbon technologies may offer the best solutions to shaping future energy policy.
‘This observatory will be absolutely key for scientists to advance the study of renewable energy.’
A second observatory is planned for a site in Cheshire in the north of England as part of a £31 million ($42 million) investment by the UK government.
The BGS said that Central Scotland, northern England and south Wales all have flooded, abandoned mines that could be tapped to supply local communities or industry with heat.
Scientists around the world have been invited to use the facility from March.
