Ground source heating and borehole feasibility studies

A feasibility study answers the first question on any ground source heating or water borehole project: will it work here, and roughly what will it cost? We look at the geology, groundwater, surface water and constraints at your site, and recommend the most suitable system before money is spent on design or drilling.

Which system suits your site?

We assess every realistic option, not just one technology:

Closed loop boreholes. A thermogeological assessment of the rock beneath the site, its likely thermal conductivity and heat capacity, and a first view of the number and depth of boreholes needed. See Thermogeological Assessments.

Closed loop trenches (horizontal). An assessment of the soil and the space available for a trenched ground array.

Open loop boreholes. A hydrogeological assessment of the aquifers beneath the site, likely flow rates, water temperature and quality, and a first view of the abstraction and reinjection boreholes. See Open Loop Systems.

Surface water. A desk assessment of nearby rivers, lakes, docks or the sea, the volumes and flows available, and how an open or closed loop surface water system could work.

Mine water. Flooded mine workings can provide large volumes of water at useful temperatures. We assess the potential where a site sits above abandoned workings.

Deep geothermal. Deep sedimentary aquifers hold warmer water that can sometimes be used without a heat pump. We also assess the reuse of abandoned or dry oil and gas wells.

What you receive

the most suitable system or systems for the site, and why
outline sizing: number and depth of boreholes, or flow rates for open loop
the regulatory route and likely permits
key risks, such as drilling conditions, water quality or space
recommended next steps, such as a test borehole or thermal response test

Aligned with RIBA stages

We regularly work within the RIBA Plan of Work, from a sense check at Stage 0 to more detailed feasibility at Stages 1 and 2, so our outputs match what design teams and clients need at each point.

Schools: DfE ground source heat pump surveys

We're familiar with the Department for Education's prescribed ground source heat pump investigation survey (TAS2021-DFE-XX-XX-T-X-152), TAS2025 and can deliver it for school projects.

To discuss a feasibility study, email lawrence@aquifer.energy with the site location and the heating and cooling loads, if known.