Written questions by Mullan.

Whether deep geothermal energy projects are eligible for support under the Neighbourhoods Fund.

The Neighbourhoods Fund, now known as the Pride in Place Programme, sits under the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, who is best placed to respond on eligibility. Heat networks can deliver local benefits by producing heat and electricity locally, aiming to provide the lowest-cost and lowest‑carbon solutions. The Government has launched the Pride in Place Programme, committing up to £5.8bn over ten years to support 284 places and underpin community investment. In each area, a Neighbourhood Board, supported by local authorities and MPs, will decide how funding is used, selecting projects aligned with local priorities and programme guidance.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of of deep geothermal heat on long term energy security.

In 2023, the Department co-funded a study with the Northeast Local Enterprise Partnership on the UK’s deep geothermal potential. Further research on the levelised costs of geothermal heat and power was published in summer 2025. Based on this evidence, the British Geological Survey was commissioned to develop the UK Geothermal Platform—an open-access, web-based tool which launched in 2025 to help developers and investors identify geothermal opportunities and conduct pre-feasibility assessments.

What role deep geothermal heat will play in delivering the Warm Homes Plan.

In homes and buildings, a heat network is required to make use of deep geothermal heat. The Warm Homes Plan set out our support for low-carbon heat networks, including Heat Network Zoning and £1bn in investment over the course of this Parliament. It is for heat network developers to select the best heat sources for their network, and this may include deep geothermal where it can provide affordable low-carbon heat for consumers.

What steps his Department is taking to streamline planning and regulatory processes for deep geothermal heat developments.

In homes and buildings, a heat network is required to make use of deep geothermal heat. The Warm Homes Plan set out our support for low-carbon heat networks, including Heat Network Zoning and £1bn in investment over the course of this Parliament. It is for heat network developers to select the heat sources for their network, and this may include deep geothermal where it can be proven to provide affordable low-carbon heat. There is limited evidence to indicate that deep geothermal heat could be delivered affordably across the UK. The government is however supporting several new schemes and will monitor the progress of these schemes before taking any steps to change regulations for deep geothermal heat developments or support redeployment of skills.

What steps he is taking to support the integration of geothermal heat into local heat networks.

In homes and buildings, a heat network is required to make use of deep geothermal heat. The Warm Homes Plan set out our support for low-carbon heat networks, including Heat Network Zoning and £1bn in investment over the course of this Parliament. It is for heat network developers to select the heat sources for their network, and this may include deep geothermal where it can be proven to provide affordable low-carbon heat. There is limited evidence to indicate that deep geothermal heat could be delivered affordably across the UK. The government is however supporting several new schemes and will monitor the progress of these schemes before taking any steps to change regulations for deep geothermal heat developments or support redeployment of skills.

What steps his Department is taking to support the redeployment of skills from the North Sea oil and gas sector into deep geothermal heat projects.

Across the energy system we are working to deliver new jobs in the clean energy transition and support those working in oil and gas to take up these opportunities. As part of our North Sea Future Plan we announced a North Sea Jobs Service will be launched which will support workers to retrain and find opportunities for future employment. Deep geothermal heat projects could benefit from these skilled workers.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of deep geothermal energy on economic growth in coastal and post industrial communities.

In 2023, the Department co-funded a study with the Northeast Local Enterprise Partnership on the UK’s deep geothermal potential. This outlines the opportunities and benefits of deep Geothermal energy in the UK, including how it can aid with the North Sea transition and levelling up on the North-East coast.

When the Government plans to publish its findings from research into the potential costs of geothermal heat in the UK.

The electricity generation and heat supply cost estimates from geothermal energy in the UK commissioned by Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and undertaken by Ove Arup & Partners Limited (Arup) will have completed by the of this calendar year (2024). DESNZ are aiming for this work to be published in the first half of next year, but at this time cannot give an exact date as to when the publication of the outcomes will be.