UK geothermal catalogue receives update
BGS releases the second digital version of the UK geothermal catalogue of subsurface temperature and rock thermal conductivity measurements and heat flow calculations.
16/06/2026 By BGS Press
Detailed subsurface information is required to increase the uptake of geothermal energy technologies. Geothermal energy, including ground source heat pumps, can contribute to energy security and to clean energy such as decarbonised heating.
The second version of the UK geothermal catalogue includes the addition of nearly 14 000 more data points derived from 1800 sites to inform geothermal assessments. The digital release contains validated intellectual property rights and datasets from BGS-authored papers, new BGS thermal conductivity laboratory measurements and a bottom-hole temperature dataset from the UK Onshore Geophysical Library.
Distribution of sites in the second digital release of the geothermal catalogue. The added sites are in pink; sites previously released in version 1 are in blue. Contains OS and OSNI data © Crown Copyright and database right 2026. Contains BGS data © BGS, UKRI (2026) all rights reserved.
The data release comprises a series of MS Excel files and an accompanying user guide that can be accessed for use under the Open Government Licence, with the acknowledgement ‘Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026’. This data adds to the openly available geothermal data, models and information already contained within the UK Geothermal Platform and map explorer.
The open release of the second digital version of the UK geothermal catalogue further adds to over 90 datasets and more than 60 reports that have been available on the UK Geothermal Platform since August 2025. The data informs the feasibility stages of project developments, supporting the growth of the geothermal energy sector. The user guide describes the data sources and the acknowledged limitations with legacy datasets that are included.
Dr Alison Monaghan, head of BGS Geothermal.
In 2025, BGS launched the UK Geothermal Platform, which provides national- to local-scale information on geothermal potential across shallow and deep technology options. The platform draws together diverse information and synthesises it to deliver the information needed by heat policy, heat networks, the national zoning model and planning specialists. Towns, cities and industrial sites can be assessed for the potential to retrofit geothermal technology and new development zones can be quickly assessed for strategic use of geothermal energy from the start of the development or planning cycle.
Relative topics
Related news
UK geothermal catalogue receives update
16/06/2026
BGS releases the second digital version of the UK geothermal catalogue of subsurface temperature and rock thermal conductivity measurements and heat flow calculations.
Natural hydrogen research
Understanding aspects of the natural hydrogen value chain on a national and international level.
Strengthening capacity through partnership: a critical minerals perspective
28/04/2026
BGS has been working in partnership with the Geological Survey Department of Zambia (GSD) to build national capacity, improve data accessibility and support long-term, sustainable development.
Updated geological assessment of the Southern North Sea set to underpin future offshore infrastructure development
25/03/2026
The first regional assessment for 30 years will support offshore marine and subsurface planning for the UK’s low-carbon energy infrastructure, including the 2030 target of 45 to 50 GW generated through offshore wind.
UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre 2026 showcase
Event on 31/03/2026
A special live webinar with the team from the Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre showcasing the latest research from 2026 on copper, the future of digital, and what’s next for the criticality assessment. A recording of the event is now available.
Can sandstones under the North Sea unlock the UK’s carbon storage potential?
02/02/2026
For the UK to reach its ambitious target of storing 170 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year by 2050, it will need to look beyond the current well-studied geographical areas.
Making research matter: BGS joins leading research organisations in new national initiative
10/12/2025
A new alliance of 35 organisations has been formed that is dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of people, communities, the economy and national priorities.
Scientists gain access to ‘once in a lifetime’ core from Great Glen Fault
01/12/2025
The geological core provides a cross-section through the UK’s largest fault zone, offering a rare insight into the formation of the Scottish Highlands.
BGS welcomes publication of the UK Critical Minerals Strategy
23/11/2025
A clear strategic vision for the UK is crucial to secure the country’s long-term critical mineral supply chains and drive forward the Government’s economic growth agenda.
New funding awarded for UK geological storage research
21/11/2025
A project that aims to investigate the UK’s subsurface resource to support net zero has been awarded funding and is due to begin its research.
How the geology on our doorstep can help inform offshore infrastructure design
19/11/2025
BGS is part of a new collaboration using onshore field work to contextualise offshore data and update baseline geological models which can inform the sustainable use of marine resources.
First distributed acoustic sensing survey completed at UK Geoenergy Observatory
12/11/2025
New research at the Cheshire Observatory has shown the potential for mapping thermal changes in the subsurface using sound waves.