UK set for groundbreaking underground observatory in Cheshire
The UK Geoenergy Observatories project will deliver a second underground observatory for the UK after it was granted planning permission on Wednesday 9 February.
09/02/2022 By BGS Press
The Cheshire Observatory in the University of Chester’s Thornton Science Park was approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council.
This means the £31 million project will be delivered in full by 2024. The Glasgow Observatory is already operational and providing open data for scientists and researchers.
Together, the Geoenergy Observatories will provide scientists with at- scale test facilities that can be used to optimise and de-risk a range of subsurface energy technologies. They will increase the UK’s research and innovation in low-carbon energy supply and storage
Subsurface energy storage
The Cheshire Observatory will comprise a network of 21 boreholes up to 100m deep. It will provide world-class research facilities for geoenergy storage scientists and innovators.
The boreholes will be equipped with a range of subsurface technologies including borehole heat exchangers for heating and cooling of the subsurface, advanced sensors for 3D imaging of subsurface processes in real-time, and equipment for multilevel groundwater monitoring and hydraulic control.
Data will be free and open to the public, public bodies, researchers and industry.
Construction will begin in summer 2022
Now that planning permission has been granted, construction is expected to start in summer 2022.
The project team has issued a tender for the principal contractor to build the Cheshire site.
If the UK is to meet its net zero targets, we need to balance renewable energy supply and demand and reduce our dependency on gas for heating.
The Cheshire Observatory will be a place where developers of geoenergy supply and storage technologies can work together to create high performance systems and understand how these interact with the subsurface environment.
It will complement the Glasgow Observatory, which is already providing important insights into how thermal energy in flooded former coal mine workings can be used for the heating of buildings.
This world-class facility will be open to users globally and will play a key role in our path towards a net zero energy future.
Dr Mike Spence, science director of the UK Geoenergy Observatories.
Sign up for the newsletter for updates.
Media contact: Sarah McDaid (sarah@mcdaidpr.co.uk/ 07866789688).
Relative topics
Related news
UK’s world-class research organisations launch new collective
10/07/2026
The launch of the National Research Organisations Group, brings together more than 100 leaders from government, research, industry and funding organisations, providing an authorativive voice on science, research policy and long-term investment.
Cheshire Geoenergy Observatory releases key geological datasets for UK thermal energy storage scheme design
09/07/2026
A new report and data packs from BGS will provide a unique resource for scientists working on the geology and hydrogeology of the Sherwood Sandstone Formation, an important aquifer and reservoir rock.
New geological mapping underway to help manage flooding along the River Tweed
08/07/2026
Scientists are surveying the Tweed catchment for the first time in over 100 years to enhance understanding of localised groundwater and improve flood forecasting.
Geological research in North Sea helping to safeguard subsea cables
06/07/2026
Subsea power and telecommunications cables are critical to the UK’s energy infrastructure and global connectivity, yet they remain vulnerable to damage from ship anchors, fishing activity and natural hazards.
UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre makes recommendations for the next UK criticality assessment
01/07/2026
CMIC has outlined the enhancements made to the next assessment update to ensure it is better tailored to the structure of the UK economy.
From archive to discovery: historical mineral reports support gold exploration in Scotland
25/06/2026
Digitised geological records show potential to unlock untapped mineral resources in Ardlochan, Argyllshire.
UK and Philippines scientists investigate natural hydrogen generation processes at atomic scale
22/06/2026
BGS researchers were granted access to use the Diamond Light Source facility in order to study hydrogen in light brighter than the sun.
Shortage of end-of-life materials presents challenge to UK critical minerals security
17/06/2026
A new report by the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre reveals insufficient end-of-life material stocks present a supply risk over the coming decade, but offer significant long-term potential to meet critical mineral demand through recycling.
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.
Scientists make new discovery in the history of the Giant’s Causeway
15/06/2026
New research is changing our scientific understanding of the formation of one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks and has revealed that Northern Ireland’s volcanic past occurred over a much shorter period than previously thought.
Latest research emphasises climate-related subsidence risk to millions of British homes
11/06/2026
New data from BGS highlights the projected future impact of warmer, drier summers and underlines the need for mitigation measures in susceptible regions.
Ukraine and the UK strengthen their commitment to geological cooperation
10/06/2026
A new Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms the UK’s support of Ukraine’s ambitions to develop its critical mineral resources, paving the way for collaboration through capacity-building programmes.