COVID-19 information News and events BGS Shop Hosted sites About BGS Research Data Discovering Geology Home » About BGS » Our work » Science briefing papers Government and policy Share this article We have corporate policy positions on a range of geoscience topics. The science briefing papers allow BGS scientists to demonstrate and communicate their science in a succinct way to other experts, policymakers and the public. Downloads Deep Impact: unlocking the potential of geothermal energy for affordable, low-carbon heating in the UK Deep geothermal energy exists in many parts of the UK. Where they coincide with towns and cities, geothermal resources can provide affordable and secure low-carbon heating to thousands of homes, offices and other buildings. Download Metals and decarbonisation: a geological perspective A summary of the current paradigm for global metal supply and demand, setting out some of the barriers and opportunities that this presents to the transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy. Download Who owns geothermal heat? Geothermal heat is a natural resource that can benefit the nation at both national and local levels so it needs to be managed and regulated in a similar way to other natural resources such as oil, gas, coal and water. This requires a clear definition of the term ‘geothermal energy’ as well as a clear understanding of ‘who owns heat’ in the ground. Download Reserve judgement: focus effort on decarbonisation not depletion While it is true that the Earth is a finite system, there is no prospect of the physical exhaustion of minerals and metals in the foreseeable future. Questioning how much we have left in the Earth’s crust is a serious diversion from the immediate challenge of rapidly approaching environmental limits associated with current methods used in the extraction and refining of minerals and metals. Download Contact Andrew Bloodworth Policy director BGS Keyworth Contact You may also be interested in About BGS As the national geological survey, we are the UK’s premier provider of objective and authoritative scientific data, information and knowledge to help society understand our Earth. Show more Our work Our vision is for a safer, more sustainable and prosperous planet and a future based on sound geoscientific solutions. Show more Was this page helpful? Yes No Cookies policy We’ll assume you’re okay with this, but you can opt out if you wish. More information. Accept Remind me later Useful links About BGS News and events Contact us Press office Job vacancies Accessibility Sustainability COP26 Policies & legal Privacy policy Cookies policy Terms of use Freedom of information (FOI) Intellectual property rights Join the BGS Newsletter Keep up to date with all the latest research, products and events news. Register © UKRI 2021