Geothermal Energy in Scotland: A synthesis report covering four feasibility studies

Abstract

This report has been prepared at the request of ClimateXChange for the Scottish Government Heat and Energy Efficiency Unit.1 It summarises the key findings of feasibility study reports from four projects carried out under the Geothermal Energy Challenge Fund, part of the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP), which is supported by the 2014 - 2020 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme. The projects were intended to explore the technical feasibility, economic viability and environmental sustainability of developing geothermal resources at sites in Fife, North Lanarkshire, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. The four projects and their reports are: • Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre Deep Geothermal Single Well Project; Feasibility Report for the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme.2 • Fortissat Community Minewater Geothermal Energy District Heating Network.3 • Geothermal Energy Challenge; Guardbridge Geothermal Technology Demonstrator Project.4 • Hill of Banchory Geothermal Energy Project; Feasibility Study.5 We have given a very brief overview for each project, followed by key learning points from each report under the headings Technical, Economic and Environmental.6 Summaries of the reports' findings are then given under the same headings. It should be noted that these summaries are highly condensed from the full project reports and so cannot include all aspects covered. Best efforts have been taken to ensure the most important elements are explained.