Geothermal Energy for the Education Sector

The education sector is under increased pressure to decarbonise heating systems, reduce energy costs, improve sustainability credentials, and provide secure predictable energy prices into the future. From primary schools to large university campuses, education providers face rising expectations from regulatory bodies, students, and local communities to demonstrate meaningful progress towards net zero targets. Heating typically accounts for the majority of on-site emissions, and in many institutions, outdated gas systems present both environmental and operational risks whilst exposing the institution to the volatility inherent in globally sourced fossil fuels.

Geothermal energy offers a viable, long-term heating solution for the education sector. Star Energy provides end-to-end services to deliver low-carbon heat infrastructure tailored to the operational needs of schools, colleges, academies, and universities. We design systems that can serve single buildings or entire campuses, integrating with existing infrastructure or forming the foundation for new development.

Our turnkey geothermal offering covers feasibility, planning, drilling, system design, construction, commissioning, and long-term maintenance—ensuring a reliable, scalable solution with minimal disruption to ongoing educational activity.

Supporting Sustainability in Education

Educational institutions are required to comply with carbon reporting and reduction initiatives such as Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR), Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) funding, and broader national net zero strategies. For schools and academies, pressure often comes from local authorities, trust boards, and Department for Education guidelines. Universities and independent schools also face increasing scrutiny from students, alumni, and external partners to adopt low-carbon operations.

Geothermal heating allows educational organisations to move away from fossil fuel systems and adopt a future-proofed, stable, and cost-effective energy source. Star Energy systems operate with consistent output throughout the year, unaffected by weather conditions or seasonal variation. This is particularly valuable in education environments where thermal comfort, air quality, and operating costs are key to delivering uninterrupted service.

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Feasibility and Site Suitability

Our geothermal feasibility assessments begin with a thorough review of the institution’s heat demand, building usage profiles, and available surface area. For larger campuses or multi-building sites, we evaluate the potential for shared networks and phased development. Using geological screening tools, historical borehole data, and regional datasets, we assess whether a location is likely to support deep geothermal development or if a shallower geo-exchange system would be more appropriate.

Factors considered include:

  • Size and duration of heat demand
  • Subsurface geological formations
  • Available footprint for drilling and surface plant
  • Proximity to other buildings or infrastructure that may benefit from shared heat supply

Where appropriate, we conduct new seismic surveys or reprocess legacy data to inform borehole design and confirm resource viability. Our feasibility outputs include preliminary design options, thermal performance estimates, and commercial structures for heat offtake.

Flexible System Design

Each educational institution has a unique operational profile. Primary schools may require simple, single-building heating systems with limited space. Further education colleges or university campuses often have complex legacy infrastructure, mixed-use spaces, and seasonal variations in occupancy. Star Energy designs geothermal systems to match these specific needs.

We can support a range of delivery options:

  • Standalone heating systems for individual schools or academies
  • Campus-wide district heating for universities or multi-site colleges
  • Hybrid systems integrating geothermal with existing boilers or other renewables

We apply modular design principles, allowing the system to scale up over time or support additional buildings as funding and demand increase. Control systems are configured to ensure demand-side flexibility, load balancing, and seamless integration with building management systems (BMS).

Minimal Disruption to Education

We understand that educational continuity is critical. Our delivery programmes are carefully phased to minimise disruption to students, staff, and facilities management teams.

Drilling operations and plant construction are typically scheduled outside of core teaching hours or during holidays wherever possible. We handle all logistics, site access requirements, health and safety protocols, and temporary system configurations as part of the pre-construction planning process.

For new-build schools or academic facilities, geothermal systems can be fully integrated into the architectural and engineering specification. For retrofit installations, we offer bespoke designs that consider building fabric, existing heating infrastructure, and future upgrade potential.

Long-Term Energy Security and Performance

Educational organisations often operate under tight and multi-year budgets. Geothermal systems provide predictable, low-cost heat over a lifespan of 50 years or even longer. Unlike volatile gas markets, geothermal offers long-term energy price stability—allowing institutions to better plan for energy costs over the coming decades.

We also provide long-term performance monitoring and maintenance packages, ensuring the system operates efficiently and remains compliant with safety and performance standards. Remote diagnostics and automated fault detection support in-house estates teams and reduce downtime.

Where institutions require external financing or performance guarantees, we can structure long-term heat supply agreements or assist with funding applications through relevant government programmes.

Geothermal systems provide predictable, low-cost heat over a lifespan of 30–50 years.

End-to-End Delivery and Sector Experience

Star Energy provides full turnkey geothermal delivery—from initial engagement and stakeholder briefing through to commissioning and lifecycle support. We manage all aspects of the delivery process, including:

  • Feasibility assessments and technical modelling
  • Pre-application engagement with local planning authorities
  • Environmental permitting and abstraction licensing
  • Drilling, testing, and geological characterisation
  • Energy centre design, heat exchanger specification, and control logic
  • Installation, commissioning, and optimisation

We are actively engaged with institutions across the public sector and education industry. Our ongoing work with Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust (a complex public-sector heat decarbonisation project) demonstrates our capability in managing stakeholder engagement, seismic data acquisition, feasibility modelling, and preparation for planning consents. Many of the same principles apply in the education sector, particularly for universities and academies managing large heat loads and extensive infrastructure.

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Why Star Energy?

With over 30 years of experience in energy infrastructure and subsurface engineering, Star Energy combines the expertise of an established onshore operator with the focus of a specialist geothermal developer.

Our acquisition of GT Energy has brought additional geothermal-specific expertise into our team, enabling us to deliver high-performance systems that are technically robust, operationally practical, and aligned with public-sector requirements.

Whether supporting a small school trust, a multi-site FE college, or a world-class university estate, we provide the same structured, technically rigorous approach to delivery.

To learn more about how geothermal can support your educational institution’s carbon goals, energy strategy, and future infrastructure plans, contact our team of experts.

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A depth of knowledge & experience in the Geothermal arena gives us the edge over competitors

Ross Glover, Chief Executive

Our strategy is to create value for shareholders, employees and communities by being a leading operator of oil and gas assets, renowned for operational excellence and strong safety standards.

Ross Glover, Chief Executive

Geothermal energy is an ideal solution to the urban deployment of renewable energy, geothermal energy.

Ross Glover, Chief Executive

Our Projects - Geothermal

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

The Carbon Energy Fund released a tender to select Innovation Partners to work with NHS Trusts across the UK to identify Low Carbon Heat opportunities. We were selected as preferred Partner by the CEF and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust for the Wythenshawe Hospital.

Manchester Therme Group

Feasibility work for an innovative geothermal geo-exchange solution for the Therme Wellbeing Resort in Trafford Park, Manchester. A trial borehole was drilled and thermal response testing carried out to determine the potential capacity for heat and cooling supplies to the development. This work identified that the Trafford Park area has amongst the highest capacity in the country.

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust

The Carbon Energy Fund released a tender to select Innovation Partners to work with NHS Trusts across the UK to identify Low Carbon Heat opportunities. We were selected as preferred Partner by the CEF and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust for the Salisbury Hospital.

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