Energy Geosciences @ Newcastle University brings together a group of researchers to address the challenges and opportunities of using the subsurface to support future challenges of meeting Net Zero by 2050. Our research spans a range of themes including geothermal energy, energy storage in the geological subsurface, carbon capture and storage and unconventional hydrocarbons. Delivering integrated projects, our researchers are from a diverse background, comprising geologists, environmental scientists, social scientists and engineers. We are affiliated with Newcastle University’s Centre for Energy and collaborate with other researchers from across the UK as well as international institutions.

Energy Geosciences@ncl has grown from 7-years of research undertaken by ReFINE, which researched the environmental, social and health impacts of fracking. Over this period, we have published papers on environmental law, potential groundwater impacts, the potential for spills and leaks, fugitive emissions of methane, traffic related impacts and the geological characterisation of faults of fractures. Our research has had far-reaching impact, having directly led to a change of the Infrastructure Act 2015. We recognise that lessons learnt from fossil fuel extraction can be applied to other subsurface energy resources, which will be necessary if the UK is going to meet its net zero emissions target by 2050. Energy Geosciences@ncl intends to apply knowledge to understand the environmental footprint, risks and potential impacts of underground gas storage, geothermal energy and carbon capture usage and storage.

Our ambition is to continue to present impartial, evidence-based scientific research to inform future energy decisions.