Alison Monaghan

Dr Alison Monaghan

Head of BGS Geothermal
BGS Edinburgh
Contact

Alison Monaghan’s biography

  • 2023 to present: Head of Geothermal, British Geological Survey
  • 2016 to 2023: Science Lead, UK Geoenergy Observatory, Glasgow
  • 1997 to present: Geologist and from 2017 Principal Geologist, British Geological Survey
  • 1997: PhD University of Edinburgh
  • 1994: MA (Hons) University of Cambridge, Geological Sciences

Research interests

  • UK geothermal datasets, resources and sustainability
  • Mine water geothermal energy and underground thermal storage science, regulation, resources, environmental impacts
  • Basin analysis, 3D geological modelling & uncertainty for geoenergy resources
  • The crowded subsurface and geoenergy; multiple sources of anthropogenic change, characterisation, monitoring, impact, regulation
  • Carboniferous geochronology, stratigraphy and tectonics
  • Urban and coalfield geology

Current projects and collaborations

  • Managing the delivery of a subsurface heat geospatial platform for the UK, working with UK Government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)
  • Collaborating with IEA geothermal and DESNZ as UK alternate delegate. Leading the IEA geothermal mine water energy expert group, collaborating with the Mining Remediation Authority.
  • Collaborating on the Geothermal Energy from Mines and Solar-Geothermal Heat (GEMS) project with Durham University, funded by EPSRC/NERC Decarbonisation of Heating and Cooling 2 grant

Publications

Published outputs

Skills

  • Project leadership for industry, Government and academic partners
  • Geoenergy data sharing and accessibility
  • Mine water geothermal energy subsurface planning, characterisation, monitoring
  • Basin analysis, 3D modelling, monitoring in geoenergy, urban geology, coalfields
  • Central Scotland & North Sea Carboniferous stratigraphy and geochronology

Professional associations

  • Fellow of The Geological Society, London and Edinburgh Geological Society.
  • 2002 : Chartered Geologist
  • 2021 : MBE for services to geology
  • 2022: Coke Medal of The Geological Society, London

Was this page helpful?

  • How can we make this section better?*

  • Please select a reason*

  • How can we make this section better?*