Community Geothermal Stories

Shallow and deep geothermal infrastructure is a relatively untapped technology in the UK, but it offers significant potential to support the clean energy transition by providing sustainable, affordable, low-carbon heat. While geothermal development has largely focused on urban heat networks and large-scale infrastructure, its potential to support heat decarbonisation in rural locations remains comparatively underexplored despite growing interest across the UK.

Two geothermal projects in rural North Yorkshire (Pickering & Lastingham) have considerable potential following feasibility studies. Together, these projects provide an ideal living laboratory for understanding how community-led approaches can support rural geothermal. Both projects have active community networks that engage local residents and build awareness of geothermal energy.

The research team will work collaboratively with these community groups to build their capacity to produce documentary-style films that communicate their experiences of the geothermal projects, the motivations behind them, and their hopes and concerns for the future. We will run a filmmaking workshop and interview key stakeholders to identify transferable lessons on effective community engagement around geothermal development.