Cleaner greener energy and lower bills for Ryedale residents is the aim of two projects which are tapping the region’s natural geothermal heat to produce warm water.
In Kirby Misperton, the Heat Network Project is repurposing a former potential fracking gas well to provide locally sourced, renewable geothermal heat to homes and businesses in the area.
Meanwhile in nearby Pickering, studies are underway which could see geothermal wells at the town’s leisure centre and a primary school. Pickering Town Community Interest Company (CIC) has also established a group of volunteer geothermal champions to further the cause of sustainable community energy.
Both projects are being supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. The fund supports transitioning the region away from fossil fuels, and building the green economy.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “We’ve got the landscape, the expertise and the ambition to go further than any other region in England and become the first carbon negative region by 2040.
“With my Carbon Negative Challenge Fund, we’re taking big steps towards our goal by backing the people behind our most pioneering projects.
“Just like our partners at Ceraphi and Pickering Town CIC who will use our support to tap into the heat under their feet, bringing hot water and lower bills to the town."
The work in Kirby Misperton is being carried out by Ceraphi Energy.
Ceraphi CEO, Karl Farrow, said: “We are delighted to be working with York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and the local community to develop an innovative geothermal heat network in Kirby Misperton.
“By repurposing an existing gas well to harness heat from beneath the ground, the project will provide a reliable, low-carbon source of heating for local buildings and homes.
“As well as helping to reduce carbon emissions, the project will demonstrate how existing energy infrastructure can be given a new purpose, creating jobs and opportunities for sustainable investment and supporting the transition to cleaner, more secure energy across North Yorkshire.”
He said the project would help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions and improve long-term energy security for the local community. The first phase of the project will provide renewable heat to a local business office, a hotel, and church, with the potential to reach homes and businesses as the network develops.
Explaining how geothermal could also bring hot water to nearby Pickering, Mike Potter, one of Pickering Town CIC’s geothermal champions, said Ryedale is ‘particularly suitable because of a salt layer at around 1600 metres deep, and we can obtain a lot of heat from that’.
He added: “This project may also show we don’t actually have to drill down that far, which will keep development costs down.
“The Carbon Negative Challenge Fund means we can carry out feasibility work at Pickering Infant School but more excitingly we’re developing a business case so, with the right investment, we can be ready to drill a well at Ryedale Swim & Fitness Centre, Pickering.
“The benefits of renewable geothermal energy are huge. It means lower bills, energy price stability, energy security and resilience, and we’re playing our part in cutting carbon emissions, plus the prospect of reinvesting profits within the town.
“I’d eventually like to see millions being put into developing geothermal community energy - and we’re leading the way right here in North Yorkshire.”
