Observatories and facilities
GlasgowMine water thermal energyObservatory infrastructureResources and dataCheshireThermal/tomography arrayObservatory infrastructureResources and dataCore scanningInstrumentsCSF staffNGR servicesResources and dataNewsAffiliated sitesCardiff Urban Geo-ObservatoryResearch
Ongoing and planned researchOpportunitiesFundingNERC Frontiers call & access costs Case studiesOpen dataPublicationsDigital science laboratoryResearch capabilities at the Glasgow ObservatoryOpportunities at the Glasgow ObservatoryAccess
FacilitiesGlasgow ObservatoryCheshire ObservatoryCore Scanning FacilityArchive resourcesCoreRock chippingsGeomicrobiology and fluid samplesCheshire Observatory
The UK Geoenergy Observatories have been developed by British Geological Survey and NERC/UKRI using funding provided under the UK Government Plan for Growth Science & Innovation.
Cheshire Observatory
The Cheshire Observatory is a unique at-scale field laboratory for research and innovation in aquifer thermal energy storage,rock volume characterisation and the monitoring of subsurface processes.
The Observatory is equipped with borehole heat exchangers for heating and cooling of the subsurface, advanced sensors for 3D imaging of subsurface processes in close to real time and equipment for multilevel groundwater monitoring and hydraulic control.
The Observatory, which entered into operation this year, is being used to generate one of the most comprehensive datasets on the geological environment in the world, with data free and open to the public, public bodies, researchers and industry.
The Geoenergy Observatories are operated by the British Geological Survey and are a NERC/ UKRI research facility. They are available to the whole of the UK science community for research, innovation and training activities. Research studies funded through any source are welcome, including outside UKRI and industry-led research.
Cheshire Observatory: enabling research and innovation in aquifer thermal energy
Location of the Cheshire Observatory
The Cheshire Observatory is located at Thornton Science Park, which is located just outside Chester and is within the Enterprise Zone of the Chester Science Corridor .
Research and innovation opportunities at the Cheshire Observatory
The observatory is an at-scale experimental infrastructure that can be used to optimise the design and operation of subsurface energy storage and geothermal systems. It is designed to address important questions such as:
- how can geothermal schemes be tailored to the local geology to optimise their peformance?
- how should schemes be designed and operated to minimise any environmental effects?
- how does groundwater flow affect the transport of heat?
- how might shallow geothermal schemes interact with other subsurface infrastructure such as water wells and building foundations?
It also provides unparalleled opportunities to characterise and monitor micro- and macro-scale processes that are relevant to other geoenergy technologies, including hydrogen storage and CO2 storage.
Use UKGEOS facilities for your research
Open-access data
Data and information generated during the construction and operation of the UK Geoenergy Observatories will be made freely available to the public and research community on this website. Core samples and other archived sample materials from the construction phase will be archived at the National Geological Repository for use in future research.
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For more detailed and up-to-date scientific information, access the science infrastructure report.
Why was this location chosen?
The site was chosen for its scientific potential, as the geology underlying the location presents opportunities for both academic and industrial research. There are several key features of interest, including the Permo-Triassic sandstone and the geological structure of the area.
Permo-Triassic sandstone
The Permo-Triassic Sherwood Sandstone, which is close to the surface at Thornton Science Park (TSP), is a key target for future research on subsurface response to energy storage. It underlies large areas of England and so is an important resource for future ground-source heating and cooling. It is also a common reservoir rock in barren or depleted UK oil and gas fields that may be used for CO2 gas storage in the future.
Structural context
The site at TSP is located to the west of a geological structural ‘high’ between the large East Irish Sea and Cheshire basins. This is bounded by the Waverton Fault, which is mapped approximately 1250 m to the east. Minor faults and associated deformation may be present in the area of the observatory that could influence the transport of heat and fluids.
The Cheshire Observatory is well placed to support energy storage research by energy-intensive industries in the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone. Together these account for some five per cent of the nation's energy consumption . Organisations in the Cheshire Science Corridor have come together to form the Cheshire Energy Hub, an industry-led innovation district designed to drive forward clean growth.
How local people will benefit
- We will be working with schools, universities and visitor centres to develop STEM learning activities
- Local businesses are already benefiting from additional spend resulting from our activities in the area
- We will be contributing to the area's clean growth strategy
Engaging with local people
- Since 2017, we have been creating lots of activities to engage with local people about the proposal, including drop-in events, presentations to community groups and businesses, media briefings and field trips
- We run a community liaison forum, which meets twice yearly. Get in touch to find out more
- We are working with schools, universities and visitor centres to develop STEM learning activities. If you would like to be involved, please get in touch
Commissioned and funded by
In 2014, the UK Government created a £6 billion investment to grow science and innovation in the UK. The Plan for Growth provided £31 million for the UK Geoenergy Observatories to keep the UK earth science community at the forefront of subsurface observation, understanding and innovation.
The British Geological Survey (BGS) has the responsibility for delivering the research infrastructure and managing access to the UK Geoenergy Observatories over their anticipated 15+ year lifetime.
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
Related
Read more about the UK Geoenergy Observatories.
