Enabling an equitable and inclusive energy transition through geothermal utilisation from repurposed fossil fuel infrastructure

Narrative

As the UK transitions toward a low-carbon future, there is growing interest in how existing fossil fuel infrastructure, both disused and still active, might support alternative energy solutions. One area gaining attention is the potential to repurpose onshore oil and gas wells, as well as disused, naturally flooded coal mines, for geothermal energy use. Geothermal energy, which uses the Earth’s natural heat for heating and sometimes electricity, is well-suited to such settings because it can tap into existing subsurface conditions without the need for extensive new drilling. This makes it a technically and economically attractive option for decarbonising heat in areas with former or ongoing fossil fuel activity. While further research and testing are needed, this approach offers a promising way to make use of existing assets in support of the UK’s climate goals. Importantly, many of these sites are located in regions that are already experiencing the social and economic impacts of long-term reliance on fossil fuels, with former coal mining areas being among the most affected. Repurposing such infrastructure for clean energy applications could play a meaningful role in facilitating a just and inclusive transition toward a low-carbon and more prosperous future. With appropriate planning and community engagement, these projects have the potential to address both environmental goals and long-standing regional inequalities.

Research conducted at the University of Manchester focused on applying a circular economy framework in life cycle sustainability assessment to assess geothermal energy. In particular, the research examined the sustainability performance of repurposing fossil fuel infrastructure for geothermal energy utilisation, including semi-abandoned wells and flooded coal mines. The research outcomes provide critical sustainability evidence supporting the potential of repurposing fossil fuel infrastructure to enable a more sustainable and inclusive energy transition.

This work has produced the first comprehensive set of life cycle, economic, and sustainability assessments for geothermal energy systems that retrofit onshore abandoned oil and gas wells. The findings indicate that semi-abandoned wells—those no longer viable for fossil fuel extraction due to high water content—can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 34% compared to conventional geothermal power plants, primarily due to the reduced need for drilling. Furthermore, these retrofitted systems demonstrated environmental leadership in 11 out of 18 impact categories, outperforming other geothermal technologies. Notable improvements were observed in areas such as human toxicity, fossil resource depletion, and terrestrial acidification potential.

From an economic standpoint, environmental life cycle cost analyses indicate that repurposed systems currently face challenges due to their relatively low power output compared to conventional technologies. However, if their generation capacity improves, they could become cost-competitive. In some cases, total life cycle costs could be reduced by over 40% by avoiding the need for expensive drilling phases. This presents a significant opportunity to reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and costs through circular economy strategies.
Research that applies the concept of ‘repurposing’ from circular economy thinking has not only advanced work on abandoned oil and gas wells but also expanded attention to the potential of naturally flooded coal mines for heating and cooling applications. Approximately 25% of the UK population lives above abandoned coal mines, and it is estimated that the thermal energy stored in mine water could heat up to 650,000 homes nationwide. Harnessing this resource could reduce emissions by up to 76% compared to conventional electric heating, while also supporting economic regeneration in historically marginalised coalfield communities.

These insights have contributed to public and policy discourse through platforms such as a policy brief articulating practical recommendations for advancing mine water heating, including the introduction of long-term financial mechanisms, improvements to legal and regulatory frameworks, and greater support for local authorities. Emphasising mine water energy as a technically viable and socially meaningful solution has helped elevate the role of low-carbon heating in meeting both climate mitigation and social equity objectives.

Together, this research provides a robust evidence base for transforming legacy fossil fuel infrastructures into climate-adaptive assets. It informs the development of just and equitable energy transitions across fossil fuel-dependent regions, offering pathways to simultaneously address the challenges of decarbonisation, economic regeneration, and social inclusion within the broader low-carbon transition.

Impact date	2020 → 2025
Category of impact	Economic, Environmental, Health and wellbeing, Policy, Awareness and understanding, Society and culture
Impact level	Engagement