Exploring clean energy opportunities

On Friday 26 January, a drilling rig will be delivered which will create a single 20 centimetre wide bore hole at a discreet location behind Carnegie Sports Centre.

We will use the bore hole to test the heat transfer properties of the ground.

This would support the university’s ambitions to decarbonise the heating and hot water generation on campus and achieve net zero carbon emissions.

While the fully extended drill rig will be just taller than an average house, the operation will not impact the use of our grounds or facilities for learning or leisure.

The area containing the drill will be fenced off during the operation, and the hole will be covered once tests are complete. 

While there will be some noise, we’re using the best technology available to minimise any disruption. This includes an acoustic barrier to limit noise to any neighbouring properties.

Any noise will be limited to daytime hours and won’t got above 87 decibels, just louder than a hairdryer or vacuum cleaner.

There should be no vibrations affecting residents or facilities. There will be a small reduction in parking at the back of Carnegie Hall during the project. Around 20 spaces will be affected.

The drilling work will be completed on Friday 2 February, with testing taking place over the following weeks.