University of Aberdeen to receive £1million grant for geothermal feasibility pilot study

Dr David Cornwell, Professor Clare Bond, postgraduate researcher Tristan Roberts and Dr Vahid Vaziri, the project team for the Aberdeen Geothermal Feasibility Pilot (source: University of Aberdeen)

Carlo Cariaga 10 Dec 2025

The University of Aberdeen is set to receive a £1million grant from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for a pilot project that aims to evaluate the potential for geothermal heating in the city of Aberdeen in Scotland. The project will involve the drilling of a 500-meter borehole at the King’s College campus and the subsequent collection and modeling of subsurface data.

“Desk studies have previously been carried out on Aberdeen’s geothermal potential. This project will be the first to provide the in-field geological data needed to help bring our initiative and others being considered across the city to reality,” said project co-lead Professor Clare Bond.

The Aberdeen Geothermal Feasibility Pilot (AGFP) aims to explore the geothermal potential of Aberdeen and provide pathways for low-carbon heating solutions. To achieve this, data on subsurface temperature, geology, and hydrology will be collected at the borehole. This will then be complemented by a seismic survey to be carries out over 1-2 months to map out the granite and other subsurface structures in Aberdeen.

Just about a month ago, consulting firm TownRock Energy completed a feasibility study on the use of deep geothermal for public facilities in Aberdeen, funded by the Scottish Government.

“Coupling borehole data with the city-wide model will reveal the true potential of geothermal heating in Aberdeen,” said Dr David Cornwell, project co-lead and seismologist. “The data we collect will be openly available, not just helping de-risk future geothermal investment and accelerating Aberdeen’s transition to a sustainable energy future but providing data that can be used to predict the geothermal potential of other places across the UK.”

Professor Louise Heathwaite, Executive Chair, UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), stated that the project could provide the blueprint for geothermal potential in granite, which can then enhance geothermal development across the UK.  “NERC is pleased to support research that translates environmental science into tangible community benefits, particularly in addressing critical challenges like fuel poverty whilst advancing net zero ambitions.”

The team is looking to secure more funding for subsequent phases of the project which will will aim to:

• re-assess heat poverty information in Aberdeen to see where geothermal can contribute most effectively
• empower and equip communities to lead on decisions regarding heating and energy in the city; and
• develop skills and understanding of geothermal to support job creation.

“If the pilot is successful, there is the potential to roll the initiative out across the city and use ground sourced heat for district heating in schools and across the wider community to tackle fuel poverty. In so doing, the University will be true to its foundational purpose of being in the service others,” concluded Interdisciplinary Director for Energy Transition at the University, Professor John Underhill.

Source: University of Aberdeen