Feasibility study highlights geothermal potential in Aberdeen, Scotland
The Foresterhill Health Campus of NHS Grampian in Aberdeen, Scotland (source: University of Aberdeen)
Carlo Cariaga
20 Nov 2025
A feasibility study proposes an EGS solution to deliver geothermal heat for the facilities of NHS Grampian in Foresterhill in Aberdeen, Scotland.
A desktop feasibility study done by TownRock Energy in partnership with NHS Grampian, and funded by the Scottish Government, highlights the potential for geothermal energy in Aberdeen, Scotland.
The feasibility study, initiated earlier this year, aimed to evaluate the possibility of using deep geothermal energy for heating of public facilities across Aberdeen.
The study concludes that a solution based on an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) to depths of 3500 to 5000 meters will be the best option to deliver geothermal heat to meet the demands of the Foresterhill Health Campus.
Potential for further application
“The feasibility study enabled us to look in detail at how deep geothermal wells would have to be drilled to achieve the temperature and heat generating capacity we’d need for NHS Grampian, and start to build a business case for further development, “ said David Townsend, CEO of TownRock Energy.
“The findings are promising so far, and an exploration drilling phase would prove the commercial viability of the system and determine how best to design and build it. With the right design, a geothermal system could produce enough heat not just for Foresterhill Health campus but for many other heat users in Aberdeen which currently rely on gas.”
There is also potential to extend the geothermal heating system beyond the Foresterhill site, and connect to existing and future heat networks. Moreover, geothermal heating costs are estimated to be less than traditional heat costs per kWh and largely immune to market price fluctuations.
The next step would be to prove the viability of the proposed EGS solution. There are two options presented for this, both of which would involve the drilling of a 2500-meter borehole. This will require an investment of at least £ 2.45 million and the skills and technology used in the North Sea oil and gas industry.
Michael Black, Energy Manager for NHS Grampian, stated that they are now working with Aberdeen Heat and Power, RGU, and the University of Aberdeen to discuss partnership options for the project.
Dr David Cornwell, Senior Lecturer in Geophysics at the University of Aberdeen, further added that the “Aberdeen Geothermal Feasibility” working group is continuing with efforts to secure more funding for innovative geothermal projects for Aberdeen.
Source: NHS Grampian
