Disused Gas Well Could Heat Pickering's Swimming Pool, Schools and Homes

A newly completed study showing the potential for Pickering to become a frontrunner in adopting geothermal heating solutions will be on show in the town town today.

Commissioned by Pickering Town Community Interest Company (PTCIC) and funded by North Yorkshire Council's Shared Prosperity Fund, the study outlines a roadmap for transitioning the town towards a more sustainable and affordable heating model.

The study will be on show at a drop in event at Pickering Memorial Hall from 2pm to 9pm today (November 7th)

The project would use two geothermal wells to heat the town's swimming pool and three schools.

Russell Hoare is the managing director of Third Energy, who are co-ordinating the project, he says there are two heating networks identified in the initial study.

The feasibility results indicate significant benefits, with potential annual energy savings of over £130,000 and reduction of more than 374 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. Additionally, the study identified other potential networks in the town that could offer further financial and environmental gains. These systems would utilise closed-loop wells, meaning no direct interaction with the environment or water tables – drilling to depths of up to 1,800 metres to access temperatures exceeding 45°C.

Mike Potter, a PTCIC Board Member, said,

“This project presents an exciting alternative to fossil fuels with the opportunity to develop new net zero infrastructure while repurposing legacy assets for sustainable and renewable energy use.

Not only can we reduce costs and carbon emissions, but we also strengthen the town’s energy security, protecting residents from potential future energy price fluctuations. If successful, this could have massive implications nationally.”

The South Hub would reuse existing infrastructure – specifically, the repurposed gas wells situated at the Ryedale Showground site. The study's findings point to the feasibility of converting the PK2 well, capable of producing up to 267kW of thermal energy, to meet the initial heat demands of the South Hub. This repurposing strategy minimises the need for new drilling and capitalises on readily available resources.

A key advantage of the South Hub lies in its proximity to various potential heat consumers. The proposed pipeline, running along the A169, positions the network to service a diverse range of customers, including:

• Anchor Consumers: The Ryedale Swim and Fitness Centre, which currently relies on gas heating, stands to benefit significantly from the transition to geothermal energy. The study estimates annual cost savings of £65,000 and a reduction of 209 tonnes of CO2 emissions for the centre alone.
• Commercial Enterprises: Businesses along the A169, such as Forestry England Headquarters, Steam & Moorland Garden Centre, and RV Roger plant nursery, are also identified as potential beneficiaries.
• Future Developments: The pipeline's route conveniently intersects with a planned housing development on Malton Road, comprising 114 properties, and the Galtres Retreat, a leisure and accommodation complex under development at the Ryedale Showground. This strategic alignment underscores the project's forward-looking approach to integrating geothermal heating into Pickering's evolving landscape.

In contrast to the South Hub's focus on repurposed infrastructure, the North Hub envisions the creation of a new geothermal well. This well, with a proposed depth of 1,800 metres, would be strategically located between Lady Lumley's School and Pickering Community Junior School, enabling it to provide heat to all three schools in the vicinity:

• Lady Lumley's School
• Pickering Community Junior School
• St Joseph's RC Primary School

The study underscores the potential for a "geothermal-first" approach in the North Hub, advocating for the installation of the geothermal heating system as a priority. This strategy anticipates that the energy cost savings realised from the geothermal system would subsequently facilitate funding for insulation upgrades, ultimately optimising the energy efficiency of the school buildings.

Beyond serving the immediate needs of the schools, the North Hub also holds the promise of extending its benefits to nearby residential properties. This expansion, facilitated by the well's estimated capacity to produce up to 240kW of thermal energy, highlights the potential for the geothermal network to grow and encompass a wider community.

Russell Hoare says the project could be expanded to provide geothermal heat for large areas of Pickering.

The study expands its scope beyond the two primary hubs, identifying promising prospects for geothermal heating in the west, east, and central areas of Pickering. Notably, St Peter and St Paul's Church, renowned for its historically significant wall paintings, presents a compelling case for geothermal adoption. The church's requirement for constant temperature control to preserve these paintings translates into substantial energy expenditure. A dedicated study, conducted by CeraPhi Energy Ltd, suggests that a shallow geothermal system could offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the church's unique needs.

The report envisions the church potentially serving as an anchor point for a Central Hub, further expanding the reach of geothermal heating within Pickering. This hub could incorporate nearby entities such as Pickering Community Infants School, creating a network that caters to both community and educational needs.

The report says that the adoption of geothermal heating offers Pickering a multifaceted path towards a more sustainable future. The benefits outlined in the study include:

• Economic Viability: By harnessing a locally sourced, renewable energy source, geothermal heating offers a shield against the volatility of global energy markets, reducing the town's reliance on fossil fuels and insulating it from price fluctuations. The study projects significant annual cost savings for both the South and North Hubs, with payback periods ranging from 14 to 20 years.
• Environmental Stewardship: The transition to geothermal heating aligns seamlessly with North Yorkshire's ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. Replacing existing gas-based systems with geothermal technology significantly reduces CO2 emissions, contributing directly to climate change mitigation efforts.
• Energy Security: Geothermal heating provides a stable and reliable source of energy, independent of external factors that might disrupt traditional energy supplies. This inherent resilience enhances Pickering's energy security, ensuring consistent heating for residents and businesses.

To foster community engagement and facilitate a transparent dialogue about the proposed geothermal project, PTCIC is hosting a public meeting on November 7th at the Memorial Hall. The event will run from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, providing ample opportunity for residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to engage with the project team.

Structured as a drop-in session, the meeting will feature:

• Visual presentations of the report's key findings, making the information accessible and engaging for all attendees.
• Easy access to download the complete report, allowing for in-depth exploration of the project's details.
• Q&A sessions with experts from Third Energy, PTCIC, and CeraPhi Energy Ltd, providing a platform for addressing questions, concerns, and suggestions from the community.

The full study can be seen at www.ceraphi.co.uk/case-study-pickering/

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