The Geothermal Campus project at the University of Leeds forms part of its wider plans to decarbonise the campus estate by 2030. During 2024, development of a shallow geothermal systems using ground source heat pumps was supported by exploratory drilling to confirm and evaluate the sub-surface resources. Three types of borehole were constructed: (i) two test wells to 150m depth for quantification of target aquifer properties and to allow open-loop GSHP system design; (ii) two 250m deep pilot holes which produced rock cores to confirm ground conditions in detail and locate a deeper aquifer that could also be used as a future resource; (iii) four 150m deep thermal response test holes used to gather thermal properties across a wider area and also provide design data for future closed-loop GSHP systems. The drilling was accompanied by an intensive communications and engagement initiative with staff, students and local communities, to inform and allay any concerns about drilling, especially where close to student residences.

The project is particularly notable for how results were generated and are now being used. Initial results have proved extremely positive with advantageous groundwater conditions in the aquifer meaning the design of a hybrid GSHP-ASHP energy centre is proceeding. This phase of Geothermal Campus was a successful collaboration between many parts of the university (several academic faculties, estates teams, communications) and the supply chain. As well as supporting the physical energy transition on campus, data generated so far, physical borehole infrastructure, and future system monitoring all form part of a Living Lab for supporting research and student education. The lessons learned from the Living Lab have already fed into two policy projects conducted in collaboration with Leeds City Council and DESNZ around understanding how shallow geothermal potential can feed into the development of future Heat Network Zones in the city. Additionally, a Strategic Innovation Fund project is leveraging the Geothermal Campus to explore how geothermal systems can support power system flexibility and renewables integration through grid balancing. These projects are all examples of how working across the geoscience, engineering and policy spheres can deliver enhanced impact through tangible collaboration.