Networks

Harnessing Geothermal Heat Beneath Southampton

Established in 1986, the Southampton Geothermal Heating Company is one of the UK’s first and longest-operating city-centre heat networks. A pioneering partnership between Bring Energy and Southampton City Council, it continues to supply reliable, low-carbon energy to the heart of the city.

Snapshot

  • Partnership

    Long term partnership with Southampton City Council

  • 40 years

    We have operated Southampton’s city centre heat network since its inception in 1986

  • c. 22 km

    Supplying heating, hot water and cooling to major city centre buildings through 22km of underground pipes1

  • 40GWh

    of heating, hot water and cooling1

Deep Geothermal Renewable Heat Source

The network sources renewable heat from a geothermal well located over a mile beneath the city, where naturally heated water reaches temperatures of up to 76°C. This geothermal supply is supplemented by large-scale combined heat and power (CHP) engines, gas boilers and a district cooling system, ensuring efficient, year-round operation.

The Impact

Today, the network produces more than 40 GWh of low-cost heat, hot water and cooling each year, serving major civic and commercial buildings across Southampton via 20 km of buried pipework.

As one of the UK’s earliest examples of city-scale district heating, the scheme continues to demonstrate the value of local energy solutions - combining renewable heat, resilience and affordability for residents and businesses alike.

  1. Source: Bring Energy