Geothermal Energy for the Healthcare Sector

Healthcare estates present one of the most compelling use cases for deep geothermal heating in the UK. With their consistent, year-round heat demand and pressure to meet net zero targets, hospitals and NHS Trusts stand to benefit significantly from transitioning to geothermal energy as a long-term, low-carbon heat source. At Star Energy, we work with NHS Trusts, healthcare providers, and public sector partners to assess and deliver deep geothermal solutions that meet both operational needs and decarbonisation goals. Our end-to-end capability—covering feasibility, planning, design, procurement, drilling, and long-term heat supply—ensures that clients in the healthcare sector receive a fully managed and technically robust solution.

Why Geothermal is Ideal for Healthcare Settings

Hospitals typically operate on a 24/7 basis, requiring stable and reliable thermal energy for heating, hot water, sterilisation, and ventilation. This consistent load profile aligns perfectly with the output characteristics of geothermal energy systems, which deliver baseload heat with high efficiency and minimal emissions.

Unlike surface-level renewable technologies that may suffer from intermittency or space limitations, or power connection constraints; deep geothermal systems operate independently of weather conditions and can be deployed beneath existing estate footprints, reducing the need for additional large surface infrastructure.

This makes geothermal particularly well suited to hospital campuses with limited space but high energy demand. Additionally, geothermal systems offer long asset lifespans, typically exceeding 25 years for surface plant and 50 years or longer for the wells themselves. This provides long-term energy cost stability and protection from volatile fossil fuel markets, an important consideration for public sector organisations managing multi-decade infrastructure strategies.

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Sector Collaboration and Public Funding Support

We understand that healthcare estates operate within specific financial and regulatory frameworks, including public procurement rules and government funding schemes. Star Energy has extensive experience engaging with NHS Trusts, Facilities Directors, Energy Managers, and public sector energy frameworks such as the Carbon Energy Fund (CEF) and the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS).

Our approach ensures that geothermal development aligns with healthcare procurement processes and capital planning cycles. Where appropriate, we support clients in pursuing grant funding opportunities to reduce capital exposure and improve the business case for low-carbon heat transition.

Project Spotlight: Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust

A leading example of geothermal energy in the healthcare sector is our ongoing work with Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. Following a competitive tender process issued by the Carbon Energy Fund, Star Energy was selected as Innovation Partner to assess and develop a geothermal heat supply for Salisbury District Hospital—a large healthcare campus located in Wiltshire, England.

Since mid-2023, our team has been undertaking a detailed feasibility study for the site. This has included the reprocessing of over 700km of legacy seismic data collected over the past four decades, as well as the execution of a new seismic acquisition programme to improve subsurface understanding. Early engagement with regulatory authorities has been completed, with pre-application submissions made to the local planning authority and the Environment Agency. The hospital has an annual heat demand of approximately 30 GWh, which is expected to be fully met by the proposed geothermal system. As the feasibility stage nears completion, the project team is preparing detailed commercial proposals for the long-term supply of heat to the hospital. If approved by the Trust, this would trigger the next project phase: applications for planning consent and environmental permits, followed by final design, procurement, and construction.

Subject to approvals and funding, construction of the geothermal well site could begin in late 2025, with heat available for hospital use by early 2027. The Trust and project team are currently assessing opportunities for grant support from the Green Heat Network Fund and the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to support capital costs.

This project demonstrates the real-world viability of geothermal heat in UK healthcare settings and highlights Star Energy’s role as a trusted delivery partner for NHS Trusts seeking large-scale, sustainable energy solutions.

Supporting the NHS Net Zero Agenda

The NHS has committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon across its estate by 2040, with an intermediate target of 80% by 2036–2039. Meeting this commitment will require the transition of thousands of buildings from fossil fuel-based heating to low-carbon alternatives. Deep geothermal energy offers a viable, scalable solution for sites with sufficient heat demand and favourable subsurface conditions.

At Star Energy, we are committed to supporting the NHS in meeting its climate goals through technically sound, financially viable, and operationally resilient geothermal solutions.

Our services can be integrated into wider decarbonisation plans and energy masterplans, with technical compatibility across existing and future infrastructure.

 

Partner with Star Energy

Whether working under a public sector framework, competitive tender, or direct collaboration, Star Energy brings unmatched experience in onshore energy development, planning, engineering, and operational delivery.

We offer healthcare clients a complete turnkey service backed by decades of subsurface, drilling, and infrastructure expertise.

For NHS Trusts and healthcare estates seeking to reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and enhance resilience, geothermal represents a powerful and practical opportunity. With proven delivery capability and a growing track record in the healthcare sector, Star Energy is well positioned to be your long-term geothermal partner.

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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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