Feedback - Geothermal energy in Ryedale

Rydale Geothermal Energy Project - what you told us

Seeking your views

Ryedale District Council has been gauging public opinion about the idea of repurposing existing deep wells to provide renewable energy – using naturally hot water from underground to heat homes and businesses. 

Feasibility studies part-funded by the Government are underway to assess if such a scheme would be technically and financially viable.

We ran a period of engagement during June and July, which involved a range of activities:

• Attendance at markets and Malton Show
• Attending or organising 12 events – five online and seven face-to-face
• Information for local organisations and groups
• A travelling information display
• Additional information online at https://ryedale.commonplace.is 
• A public survey 

Direct conversations were held with 260 different people and 109 completed the survey. We are grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute. 

The findings

The survey showed people are strongly in favour of the idea of using geothermal energy in Ryedale:

• 84% are either ‘happy’ or ‘satisfied’ with the proposal
• 83% are potentially interested in using geothermal energy
• 78% would be interested in signing up to a community energy scheme, if available 

The questions people asked cover four main themes:  

• What do I need to do to adapt my home and what will it cost?
• What will be the impact on the local environment?
• What is involved in the feasibility studies?
• For how long could the wells be used to provide geothermal energy?  

Concern was also expressed about the possibility of fracking. This has already been ruled out. 

Next steps

The final results of the feasibility work are expected towards the end of this year. The wells’ owners, Third Energy, then intend to prepare plans for an initial geothermal project in the first part of 2023.