Star Energy and Bring Energy to collaborate on geothermal heating in Southampton, UK
The Southampton District Energy Scheme in Southampton, UK (source: Bring Energy)
Carlo Cariaga
31 Mar 2025
Star Energy and Bring Energy will be working together to expand geothermal heating in Southampton, one of the pioneering cities for geothermal in the UK.
UK-based Star Energy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) with Bring Energy, the largest operator of UK heat networks, to explore the further integration of geothermal energy the district heating network of Southampton in the UK.
The Southampton Geothermal Heating Company (“SGHC”) is a pioneering partnership delivering sustainable heat, chilled water, and power to the city. Operated by Bring Energy in collaboration with Southampton City Council, the partnership is committed to decarbonisation of the network.
Under the agreement, Star Energy will leverage its geothermal expertise to conduct a feasibility study assessing the potential for supplying geothermal heat to the existing network. The partnership will also explore the development of a new geothermal-supplied heat network to serve the northern part of the city.
Southampton is notable for being one of the pioneering cities for geothermal district heating in the UK with a combined heat and power facility that was established in 1986. Currently serving more than 58 commercial and public sector customers and hundreds of households, the heating facility produces over 70GWh of energy a year, providing low-cost heating, hot water and in some instances, cooling to a variety of customers. Bring Energy currently operates the scheme in close collaboration with the Southampton City Council.
“Decarbonising urban heat networks is essential for meeting our net zero commitments, and geothermal energy presents an exciting opportunity to achieve this. Partnering with Star Energy allows us to explore how geothermal can integrate into our existing network, providing a sustainable and resilient heat source for Southampton. We look forward to working together on this feasibility study and the potential expansion of low-carbon heating solutions for the city,” said Richard Burrell, Executive Chairman of Bring Energy.
“By combining Star Energy’s geothermal expertise with Bring Energy’s operational capabilities, we aim to demonstrate the real potential of geothermal energy in decarbonising urban heat networks. Our feasibility study will be the first step in unlocking a sustainable, long-term heat source for Southampton, supporting the city’s net zero ambitions and enhancing energy security for the future,” added Ross Glover, CEO of Star Energy.
Source: Disclosure via the London Stock Exchange and Bring Energy
