Westcountry a 'geological super-region'

Geology experts say the sub-surface in parts of the UK can be better utilised to help the country hit net zero climate goals, reports Rebecca Speare-Cole

- Rebecca Speare-Cole

THE South West is among so-called 'super-regions' of the UK identified by geologists as having the greatest potential to host energy transition technologies, including geothermal energy and carbon capture and storage (CCS).

The findings, published by the British Geological Survey (BGS), show the UK’s diverse subsurface, could play a key role in supporting efforts to reach the country's legally binding climate goals.

Many areas possess geology which is well suited to particular net-zero technologies, including shallow geothermal installations, or significant deposits of critical minerals.

However, BGS scientists say nine 'super-regions' contain subsurface formations and conditions which favour multiple technologies within a relatively small area.

These are South West England, Northern Ireland, the Scottish Central Belt, North East England, North West England, the South Yorkshire and Humber region, the East Midlands, East Anglia and South Wales.

All could provide a sustainable heat source for geothermal energy, geological formations suitable for secure storage of energy and carbon dioxide (CO2), rocks containing important minerals and suitable structures for building the foundations of onshore and offshore wind farms, the scientists said.