Geothermal energy, a foundation for the UK's secure energy future.

The National Geothermal Centre is a non-for-profit organisation bringing together key stakeholders to enable geothermal development at speed and at scale. We are transitioning and developing technology, driving the creation of policy, regulation and investment frameworks for geothermal, and maximising the impact of research and innovation.

Delivering the potential of geothermal to meet the UK's economic and energy targets.

We are driving the contribution of geothermal energy to the UK government’s Energy Security Plan, the low-carbon strategies of the Powering Up Britain initiative as well as the Levelling Up agenda. We see geothermal energy as a clear route for a just transition to sustainable heat and power for the UK.

Collaborating for action

Together with our partners, and through strategic alliances, our initial focus will be on four areas required to unlock geothermal potential:

Research and knowledge

We are creating a national hub to disseminate geothermal expertise, knowledge and best practice, either directly or by signposting to expertise and data hosted by others. Acting as a conduit between industry and academia, we are coordinating and creating impact through research and disruptive insights, finding effective solutions to build and optimise geothermal delivery. We will collate and share best practice, and, with the experts, develop technical standards for the new geothermal sector.

Policy, regulation and investment

We are ensuring the creation of optimal frameworks – policy, regulatory, and financial – to enable geothermal development. We represent the full geothermal potential of the UK, showcasing the substantial benefits to decision-makers and the supply chain, while providing a portfolio perspective to reduce risk. With our community, we provide expertise and science-based evidence to inform bespoke solutions.

Technology and innovation

We are supporting our traditional industries to transition skills and technologies to enable geothermal. Alongside our network, we will prove, pilot and deploy ground-breaking technologies that are both efficient and affordable, to drive geothermal expansion.
Prioritising the UK’s future workforce and economy, we will provide pathways to future career opportunities while reskilling and upskilling our existing energy workforce.

Connecting infrastructure

We will enable geothermal solutions for sectors such as heat network operators, the construction industry, manufacturing and agriculture. This will deliver geothermal energy into the UK’s future energy mix, alongside other low carbon energy sources. 

Our values

The National Geothermal Centre is:

Independent

We are a not-for-profit organisation whose only remit is to further geothermal energy.

Inclusive

We work across all four nations of the United Kingdom, include all stakeholder groups and encompass all forms of geothermal energy.

Collaborative

We work together with experts and decision-makers to drive the roll-out of geothermal energy. We coalesce, support and enable the work of others.

Authoritative

We either provide information to answer your questions, or can point you in the direction of the people who can.

Our team

Dr. Charlotte Adams CEO

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Dr. Charlotte Adams, CEO of the National Geothermal Centre

Charlotte’s interest in geothermal was sparked whilst undertaking her PhD when she realised the geothermal potential of disused mines. She has been active across the sector for over 20 years and was instrumental in the delivery of the UK’s largest geothermal heat scheme at Gateshead.

Charlotte has worked in consultancy, academia and the public sector managing commercial contracts and R&D and geothermal drilling programmes. Her work has featured on Country File, The One Show, ITV Tonight and Channel 4 news. She has received awards from the Geological Society and The Energy Institute for her work on geothermal.

Charlotte enjoys spending time outdoors and has a passion for photography, music and fine art.

Nigel Lees

Chair

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Nigel Lees, Chair of the National Geothermal Centre Board

Nigel is an accomplished industry leader, senior executive and non-executive director with over 35 years’ experience across global energy sectors and now undertakes non-exec and strategic engagements for several organisations and institutions.

He is a passionate advocate for the development of sustainable energy solutions and a strong believer that a successful transition must also address the legacy of our energy past. Nigel’s areas of focus include unlocking the potential of geothermal as a primary energy source in addition to decarbonisation of heat, energy storage, and the development of sustainable biofuels. 

He has previously served as the Chair of Decom North Sea, Co-Chair of the Offshore Contractors Association and as a non-executive director of OEUK, he sat on an OGA Task Force, championed an element of Industrial Strategy as a member of the Oil & Gas Industry Council and was an active member of the Scottish Governments Oil & Gas Industry Leadership Group.

A fellow of both the Institute of Directors and the Chartered Management Institute and a member of the Energy Institute, Nigel holds an engineering qualification and an MBA (with distinction) from the Robert Gordon University.

Rebecca Allison Board Member

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Rebecca Allison

Rebecca Allison is an established and committed leader in the energy sector, spearheading efforts to accelerate the transition to net zero. Rebecca serves as the Chief Operations Officer at the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), where she leads the delivery of critical technology programmes and services that will drive industry’s evolution towards a more sustainable future.

With over two decades of experience, Rebecca has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This includes identifying and appraising existing technology readiness, and championing the latest advancements in innovations that are reducing emissions from existing facilities and unlocking the full potential of an integrated energy system.

As a highly driven and motivated leader, Rebecca is known for her strategic planning and communication skills, which she uses to manage even the most complex projects.

Outside work Rebecca spends most of her time at the Ellon Scout Hut, coaching and mentoring over 80 young people in developing their outdoor skills. If she’s not camping in all weathers then she enjoys time with her two children, her patient husband and a very mad black Labrador.

Prof. Jon Gluyas Board Member

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Professor Jon Gluyas

Jon is a geoscientist with experience of both the industrial and academic centres. He holds the chair in Geoenergy, Carbon Capture and Storage at Durham University and is the current President of The Geological Society. Until recently Jon was the Executive Director of Durham Energy Institute. He has served as Dean of Knowledge Exchange and Head of Earth Sciences at Durham. 

Since 2001 Jon has founded 12 energy and Earth Observation companies and has been President of the Geoenergy Exploration Society of GB as well as chair of the British Geological Survey and the Earth Science Teachers Association. He has published over 200 papers and books.

Innes Auchterlonie Board Member

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Innes Auchterlonie MSc MBA

Innes’s early career was in software development, initially employed at Dundee University in controls programming where he developed a keen interest in the subject. When entering the energy industry, he initially worked offshore in construction in turn leading on to engineering and project management roles.

Innes has amassed a successful track record working for both global energy and service companies in senior roles, with a particular focus on asset life extension and engineering due diligence.

Most recently, Innes has formed and continues to lead innovative technology driven organisations, his main company Imrandd being awarded OEUK Innovative Supply Chain Company of the Year in 2023. His strong technical knowledge combined with hands on business experience and strategic decision-making abilities has brought unique digitisation and data science analysis solutions to the fore; enabling energy providers and financial institutions to apply a more informed commercial approach to asset management.

In addition to extensive technical engineering expertise, Innes also holds an MSc in Asset Integrity Management and an MBA (with distinction). His most recent projects include helping found the not-for-profit group SHIFT Geothermal which in turn seeded the idea of creating The National Geothermal Centre.  Innes is also actively working on the development of what is hoped to be Scotland’s first green methanol production plant.

Our founders

Net Zero Technology Centre

Durham University

SHIFT Geothermal

The Reece Foundation

Contact us

Join our community, participate in our working groups and support the work of the National Geothermal Centre.

Together we will unleash geothermal energy’s full potential across the UK.