In a major push to advance renewable energy, Project InnerSpace, an independent not-for-profit organization, has launched an ambitious effort to accelerate the development of geothermal heat and power in the UK. The initiative, announced today, aims to overcome key barriers to scaling geothermal energy and unlock the country’s vast underground potential.
According to an initial analysis of data from Project InnerSpace’s GeoMap™, the UK has the capacity to cost-effectively generate nearly a third of its current electricity demand with clean and reliable geothermal energy. With the right policies and investments, geothermal power could eventually supply almost twice the UK’s existing electricity consumption and meet nearly all its heating needs.
To set this vision in motion, industry leaders, policymakers, and experts convened in London for a high-profile discussion on scaling geothermal energy in the UK. This event marks the beginning of InnerSpace’s broader initiative, which includes the publication of a comprehensive geothermal report and roadmap. Titled “The Future of Geothermal in the United Kingdom,” the report will analyze the country’s geothermal potential, propose strategies to attract investments, and recommend policies to foster industry growth. Supported by the Quadrature Climate Foundation, the report is set for publication in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Greg De Temmerman, Deputy CEO and Chief Science Officer of the Quadrature Climate Foundation, underscored the significance of this initiative: “Next-generation geothermal has the potential to unlock vast amounts of cheap, reliable, and clean energy—a welcome contribution to the UK’s energy security. We are delighted to support Project InnerSpace’s work to better understand the UK’s geothermal capacity and identify ways to maximize its potential through smart policies and actions.”
Jamie Beard, Executive Director of Project InnerSpace, emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving this vision: “To harness the massive potential of geothermal energy, we need open dialogue and a shared vision. Investing in geothermal is an investment in the UK’s future—from tackling climate change and reducing energy prices to strengthening energy security and fostering sustainable community growth.”
A recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlighted the game-changing potential of geothermal energy, stating that next-generation geothermal technologies could meet global electricity and heat demand 140 times over. By 2035, these technologies are expected to be more cost-effective than nuclear power and competitive with solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind energy with storage.
A New Era for UK Energy
With its strong foundation in geoscience research and academic excellence in geothermal energy, the UK is well-positioned to capitalize on this renewable resource. Project InnerSpace’s initiative could pave the way for a sustainable energy revolution, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while securing an affordable and resilient energy future.
