Summary
Researchers in Cardiff have discovered that the heat stored underground could provide energy to heat all homes in the city. This heat comes from groundwater warmed by urban activities, and they propose using ground source heat pumps to harness it. The method is promising but may be expensive to implement on a large scale.
Key Facts
- Cardiff has 234 boreholes that were initially drilled to monitor groundwater during construction over 30 years ago.
- These boreholes are now being used to track groundwater temperatures, which average around 12°C (54°F).
- The heat from groundwater is described as a type of geothermal energy, a renewable energy source.
- The British Geological Survey claims Cardiff is part of the world's largest urban groundwater survey.
- Ground source heat pumps could use this underground warmth to heat homes efficiently.
- Heat pumps work by capturing heat from underground, similar to how a refrigerator keeps food cool, but in reverse.
- Implementing this technology could help meet the UK's goal of making new homes "zero carbon-ready."
- The cost of installing such systems is high, which could be a barrier to widespread use.
