Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) Heat Capture and Storage Study

Buro Happold has been leading a £140,000 study sponsored by the UK Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) examining the feasibility of capturing and using large quantities of waste heat from power stations and industrial processes and storing it in geological formations underground for later use in homes and offices for heat and to provide hot water.

Buro Happold is leading the project with input from the BP Institute and Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge based in Keyworth and the IF Technology Group.

This ground breaking study could potentially lead to the replacement of direct gas-fired heating in various locations in the UK. Using waste from power stations for new or existing district heating systems and using the ground as a seasonal heat store would be a paradigm shift in low grade heat provision in the UK.

• Summary analysis of potential system configurations for generating plant, distribution network and storage delivery and recovery
• GIS database of suitable locations in UK and proximity to relevant heat supply and demand centres
• Economic analysis
• Technical, commercial, regulatory, health, safety and environmental risk analysis and suggestions for mitigation strategies
• Recommendations and specifications for three potential site specific development and demonstration projects