UK Geothermal Heat Potential Models for Early Carboniferous Limestone Aquifers

A 2500-meter resolution raster model shows the theoretical potential for recoverable geothermal heat from hot sedimentary aquifers in northern and southern England. The data, produced by the British Geological Survey and published in 2023, calculates 'heat recoverable' for resource temperatures above 50°C, representing the minimum for direct heat use. The theoretical potential is presented with very high uncertainty, as noted in the associated research paper.

Use Cases

• Mapping regional geothermal resource potential based on the modelled 'heat recoverable' (Hrec) distribution.
• Identifying areas for direct-use heat projects based on aquifer temperatures exceeding 50°C.
• Incorporating uncertainty analysis for resource planning based on the delineated areas of high uncertainty.
• Validating or comparing geothermal models using the USGS-based methodology described for Hrec calculation.

Strengths

• Modeled at a defined spatial resolution of 2500 meters by 2500 meters.
• Based on published research from 2023 with a specific DOI (10.1016/j.geothermics.2023.102649).
• Calculates a specific metric (Hrec) using a defined methodology from the USGS.

Limitations

• The theoretical potential is presented with very high uncertainty, as stated in the description.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

British Geological Survey (BGS)

Collection Method

Modelled P50 distribution based on research published by D J.R. Jones, T. Randles, T. Kearsey, T.C. Pharaoh, A. Newell (2023).

Time Range

Model reflects contemporary geological understanding, published in 2023.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-09 08:26:14.348732; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Great Britain, specifically the northern and southern early Carboniferous limestone regions.