asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the status of geothermal-based energy in their future energy policy. [HL4063]

Between 1976 and the early 1990s, the UK carried out a major geothermal research programme at a cost in excess of £50 million. The key conclusions from the programme were that the UK is unlikely to see major developments based on geothermal aquifers or the hot dry rock (HDR) method due to a limited resource, poor economics and limited scope for their application. Unless the technical, practical and economic constraints identified under the previous geothermal programme can be addressed, the prospects for geothermal power in the UK would appear to be limited.

More recently, interest has been growing in the use of ground source heat pumps. This technology can be applied to buildings of virtually any scale, including domestic dwellings. It relies on heat exchange with the ground immediately beneath or close to buildings. This technology is now increasing its profile in a growing microgeneration market.

Both Defra and the DTI, in collaboration with the Heat Pump Association, have helped to establish the UK Heat Pump Network to develop a partnership between manufacturers, specialist advisers and user groups. This network will ensure that independent and authoritative advice is available on the application and use of heat pumps.

The DTI’s low-carbon buildings programme, with a £86 million budget over three years, provides support for a range of microgeneration technologies, including ground source heat pumps. More information on the grant levels and how to apply is available at www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk.