Star Energy is pleased to announce a new collaboration with Bring Energy to explore the expansion of geothermal heating in Southampton, one of the UK’s most established cities for district geothermal energy. The partnership is a significant step towards scaling low-carbon heat networks across the country, with Southampton once again positioned as a frontrunner in sustainable urban heating.
Under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Star Energy and Bring Energy will undertake a joint geothermal energy feasibility study to assess opportunities for integrating additional geothermal heat into the city’s existing district heating network. The collaboration will also investigate the potential to develop a new geothermal-supplied heat network serving the northern region of Southampton.
Supporting a Pioneering Network
Southampton has a long-standing legacy in geothermal heating, being the first city in the UK to develop a geothermal district energy system. Established in 1986, the Southampton Geothermal Heating Company (SGHC) currently delivers over 35 GWh of energy per year, supplying low-cost heat, hot water, and cooling to more than 58 commercial and public sector clients, as well as hundreds of households.
The system is currently operated by Bring Energy in collaboration with Southampton City Council and includes a combined heat and power (CHP) facility alongside deep geothermal heat extraction. The existing network has played a critical role in reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy bills for the city’s residents and businesses.
Expanding Low-Carbon Heat Capacity
The joint feasibility study led by Star Energy will focus on identifying suitable geothermal resources to enhance or expand the existing network. With Star Energy’s technical expertise in geothermal site investigation, drilling, and thermal modelling, the study will determine how best to utilise subsurface heat to meet increasing demand for decarbonised energy in urban settings.
Alongside assessing opportunities for boosting capacity within the current SGHC system, the study will also explore the creation of a new geothermal heat network in the northern part of the city. This could provide long-term, low-carbon heating to new developments, public sector facilities, and commercial sites not currently served by the existing infrastructure.
Ross Glover, CEO of Star Energy, commented: “By combining Star Energy’s geothermal expertise with Bring Energy’s operational capabilities, we aim to demonstrate the real potential of geothermal energy in decarbonising urban heat networks. Our feasibility study will be the first step in unlocking a sustainable, long-term heat source for Southampton, supporting the city’s net zero ambitions and enhancing energy security for the future.”
Richard Burrell, Executive Chairman of Bring Energy, added: “Decarbonising urban heat networks is essential for meeting our net zero commitments, and geothermal energy presents an exciting opportunity to achieve this. Partnering with Star Energy allows us to explore how geothermal can integrate into our existing network, providing a sustainable and resilient heat source for Southampton. We look forward to working together on this feasibility study and the potential expansion of low-carbon heating solutions for the city.”
A Shared Commitment to Energy Transition
This partnership highlights Star Energy’s growing role in helping to decarbonise the UK’s heating infrastructure. As the largest operator of onshore oil and gas fields in the country, Star Energy has extensive experience in subsurface development, drilling, and long-term asset operation. These skills are now being applied to accelerate the delivery of commercial geothermal heat projects, supporting the transition to net zero across key sectors. By working with local authorities, heat network operators, and regional energy stakeholders, Star Energy is actively helping to deliver practical, scalable alternatives to fossil-fuel-based heating. The collaboration with Bring Energy represents a model for how public-private partnerships can unlock the next generation of heat infrastructure in cities across the UK.
As the study progresses, Star Energy looks forward to working closely with Bring Energy and Southampton City Council to define a roadmap for delivery, assess technical feasibility, and help futureproof the city’s heating system for decades to come.