York geothermal project secures drilling permission ahead of 2027 works
Heat networks · England
By Net Zero News · Published 18th October 2026
The University of York’s geothermal heating project has moved forward after permission was granted for drilling. Salix says the £35 million Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme-funded project is preparing for drilling in 2027.
Project status: Planning milestone — drilling to follow
What changed
The university plans to access natural heat around four kilometres underground and use it to displace gas serving its existing campus district-heating system. Preparations include site design and a three-dimensional seismic survey. The project is not yet supplying geothermal heat. A possible later well and wider city heat supply remain conditional ambitions, dependent on the success of the initial work.
Key project takeaways
An existing campus heat network can provide a route for changing the heat source serving multiple buildings.
Recognise exploration, consents and subsurface risk as distinct project stages before assuming operating outcomes.
Why this matters
Large public estates considering geothermal heat need to allow for planning, drilling and delivery risks before operational savings can be demonstrated. York’s permission marks progress towards future works rather than confirmation of completed heating infrastructure.
Source: Salix Finance ↗ · Original announcement: 13th October 2026