Data from two complementary projects in Aberdeen will explore the possibility and the best sites to use geothermal heating in Aberdeen.
The Aberdeen Geothermal Feasibility Pilot (AGFP), funded through a £1 million grant from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will see an instrumented borehole drilled to a depth of over 500 metres on King’s College campus in Old Aberdeen. The borehole will provide direct subsurface temperature, geology and hydrology data and provide the startling point to test the potential for heat generated by granite at depth to be used to heat homes, the University and other buildings across the city.
Led by the University of Aberdeen and subject to planning consent, the project will provide the in-field geological data needed to take forward geothermal projects.
Meanwhile, in a three-day project, volunteers will install 100 seismic nodes across a mix of public and private green spaces ranging from the Bridge of Don to Nigg, and inland as far as Hazlehead. They nodes will record natural and man-made vibrations from waves, wind and traffic over 1-2 months, helping create a map of the granite and subsurface structures to a depth of 5 km beneath the city. The resulting data will show where geothermal heating will work best in Aberdeen.
Dr Amy Gilligan, AGFP researcher, said: “This marks the beginning of an exciting stage of the project. By placing these small sensors in the ground, we can safely and quietly listen to natural vibrations and build a picture of the rocks deep below Aberdeen.
“Most people won’t notice the sensors once they are in place but what we learn will help us understand whether geothermal heat could one day provide a clean, local source of heating for homes and public buildings, reducing carbon emissions and support a more sustainable energy future for Aberdeen.”