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Highlights

  • Star Energy and Bring Energy partner to explore geothermal energy integration into Southampton’s heat network
  • Feasibility study to assess geothermal heat supply for Southampton’s existing and potential new heat networks
  • Partnership supports Southampton’s net zero goals by advancing low-carbon geothermal energy solutions

Star Energy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bring Energy, the largest operator of UK heat networks, to explore the integration of geothermal energy into Southampton's city-centre heat network. The Southampton Geothermal Heating Company (SGHC), a pioneering partnership between Bring Energy and Southampton City Council, aims to decarbonise the city’s heat, chilled water, and power supply.

As part of the agreement, Star Energy will utilise its expertise in geothermal energy to conduct a feasibility study. The study will assess the potential for supplying geothermal heat to the existing SGHC network while also exploring the development of a new geothermal-supplied heat network to serve the northern part of the city.

Councillor John Savage, Cabinet Member for Green City and Net Zero at Southampton City Council, emphasized the importance of the initiative: "We are keen to see the decarbonisation of heat and support the assessment of further potential low-carbon geothermal heat within the city, aligning perfectly with our commitment to achieving our net zero ambitions."

Ross Glover, CEO of Star Energy, shared his excitement for the collaboration: "This agreement is a significant step forward in delivering clean, reliable heat to UK cities, an important aspect of our strategy as we continue to broaden the ways we can contribute to securing domestic energy supply. By combining Star Energy's geothermal expertise with Bring Energy's operational capabilities, we aim to demonstrate the real potential of geothermal energy in decarbonizing urban heat networks."

Richard Burrell, Executive Chairman of Bring Energy, also noted the strategic importance of the partnership: "Decarbonising urban heat networks is essential for meeting our net zero commitments, and geothermal energy presents an exciting opportunity to achieve this. Partnering with Star Energy allows us to explore how geothermal can integrate into our existing network, providing a sustainable and resilient heat source for Southampton."

The feasibility study marks the first step in the collaboration, with both companies working towards unlocking sustainable, long-term heat solutions for Southampton, ultimately contributing to the city’s net zero and energy-security goals.