BGS Seeks Your Input: Shaping the Future of Geothermal Subsurface Data for Shallow Heat Pumps Across Great Britain

UK's British Geological Survey Seeks Your Input: Shaping the Future of Shallow Geothermal Data Products for Net Zero Heating

By: Robert Buluma

The British Geological Survey (BGS), in collaboration with Energy Systems Catapult (ESC), is gearing up to revolutionize how we access and use subsurface data for shallow geothermal energy—and they're actively asking for stakeholder feedback right now!

Published on 24 February 2026, this exciting initiative aims to turn BGS's vast geological expertise and datasets into practical, user-friendly products that accelerate the rollout of ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) and other shallow geothermal solutions across Great Britain. With the UK's ambitious Net Zero targets demanding low-carbon heating alternatives, this could be a game-changer for buildings, heat networks, and decarbonization efforts.

Why This Project Matters

Shallow geothermal technologies, like closed-loop GSHPs, tap into the stable temperatures just below ground level to provide efficient, renewable heating and cooling. BGS holds extensive subsurface data that can estimate heat output from vertical boreholes at any location—helping developers, utilities, and builders assess feasibility faster and more cost-effectively.

Funded through the Commercialising Knowledge Assets Fund (via the Government Office for Technology Transfer and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology), the project runs until June 2027. The goal is to transform baseline geological data into accessible maps, tools, and services tailored to real-world needs in the shallow geothermal sector.

Key Project Aims

- Develop data products estimating heat output for closed-loop vertical boreholes using GSHP technology—anywhere in Great Britain.

- Understand stakeholder needs: What data do you require? What's the market demand? How should these products be delivered (e.g., interactive maps, APIs, reports)?

- Consult across sectors: Heat network utilities, industrial heat users, building services, housing developers, geoscientific resellers, and more.

This consultation ensures the final products are fit-for-purpose—practical, accurate, and valuable for driving deployment.

Have Your Say – Deadline Approaching Fast!

BGS and ESC are hosting focused interview sessions to dive deep into user priorities:

- What are your biggest data gaps?

- How could better subsurface info support your projects?

- What delivery formats work best for you now and in the future?

If you're involved in geothermal, heating decarbonization, construction, or related fields—this is your chance to influence the development of thermal properties data, closed-loop potential outputs, and longer-term geothermal portfolio tools.

Expressions of interest must be sent by 2 March 2026 (just days away!) to:

Reace.Edwards@es.catapult.org.uk (Energy Systems Catapult)

Copy: annl@bgs.ac.uk (BGS)

Subject/Quote: ‘geothermal interview’

They'll use your details only for this consultation, in line with UK data protection rules.

Broader Context: Geothermal Momentum in the UK

This aligns with growing UK efforts to map and exploit geothermal potential—from urban observatories to national atlases. Shallow GSHPs are low-hanging fruit for reducing emissions in buildings, and better public data could unlock faster adoption.

Whether you're a developer eyeing GSHP feasibility, a utility planning heat networks, or just passionate about renewables—get involved! Your input could help shape tools that make geothermal more accessible and effective nationwide.

You missed: Unlocking Aberdeen's Hidden Heat: 100 Seismic Sensors Map the Path to Geothermal Future

What do you think—will enhanced subsurface data accelerate shallow geothermal in the UK? Share your thoughts below! 🌍🔥

Source: BGS

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