25.10.13
Manchester’s geothermal heating comes a step closer
The next phase of a geothermal scheme to heat Manchester has now begun. Detailed geological evaluations are being undertaken to produce thermal models before completing the final design from which to extract heat.
The work is being carried out by GT Energy, with investment through the Low Carbon Innovation Fund on behalf of the Adapt Low Carbon group at the University of East Anglia. It is also supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Drilling is expected to begin in 2015, with energy from deep springs below Manchester generated and supplied from 2016.
Padraig Hanly, managing director of GT Energy, said: “The successful completion of this funding round maintains the good progress of the Devonshire Street geothermal heat project. We will be working with our contractor Erdwerk, which is highly experienced in deep geothermal development in Germany. From here, we expect to move from planning permission to a position where we will be ready to break ground on the site in spring 2015.”
Francis Wright, managing director at Turquoise, which acts as fund manager to LCIF, said: “LCIF is delighted to be working with the GT Energy team who have secured a valuable first mover advantage in geothermal energy since starting the business in 2007.”
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