The Scope and Potential of Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) are transforming how we think about heating and cooling in the built environment. 

As a renewable and efficient technology, GSHPs have vast potential across various applications, from district heating schemes to individual retrofits and new builds, including large-scale tower blocks. 

For more information on how GSHPs work, we’ve written a complete article on the topic, in this blog we explore their scope, the benefits they bring, and real-world examples showcasing their versatility.

Let’s go!

District Heating: GSHPs Scaling Up Sustainability

District heating systems use a central energy source to heat multiple buildings through a network of insulated pipes. GSHPs are increasingly becoming the backbone of these systems due to their efficiency and sustainability.

Why GSHPs?

• They provide consistent heating and cooling year-round.
• Ideal for integrating with renewable energy sources.
• Reduce carbon emissions significantly compared to fossil fuel-based systems.

In Drammen, Norway, a district heating system powered by GSHPs delivers heating to over 6,000 buildings. By tapping into seawater as a heat source, this system demonstrates how GSHPs can power large-scale sustainable heating networks.

Retrofit Projects: Breathing New Life into Existing Properties

Retrofits often face challenges like limited space for equipment or the need for minimal disruption. GSHPs, with compact indoor units and underground pipe systems, are an excellent solution.

Why GSHPs?

• Enhance energy efficiency in older buildings.
• Compatible with underfloor heating or radiators.
• Long-term cost savings for homeowners and businesses.

Onsen Energy recently collaborated with partners to deliver a large-scale ground source heat pump system for a secondary school and sixth-form college, utilising advanced borehole drilling techniques and ensuring minimal disruption to this busy environment. To protect the school's playing fields from our heavy machinery, the drilling rig was situated on special protective matting, to avoid the usual damage heavy machinery would cause. With each borehole complete, the rig moved forward onto the next mat and continued with the next borehole. Explore more about this retrofit project here. 

GSHPs are suitable for even older retrofit projects. In Cornwall, GSHPs were recently installed in the historic manor house at Trellisick. The heat pump system met the building’s heating needs while preserving its architectural integrity, showcasing the flexibility of GSHPs in heritage sites.

New Builds: Building for the Future with GSHPs

New builds offer the perfect opportunity to incorporate GSHPs from the start, enabling developers to design heating systems optimised for efficiency and sustainability.

Why GSHPs?

• Easily integrated into energy-efficient designs.
• Meet stringent building regulations for sustainability.
• Add value to properties by offering renewable energy solutions.

Our team recently delivered a 15-borehole project on multiple shared arrays to support ground source heat pump installations for a new-build development of 32 homes in Lewes. Innovations like the new Kensa Shoebox NX bring GSHP technology within the reach of individual homeowners, as our work on a two-borehole shallow ground array for a new-build bungalow shows. 

Tower Blocks: Renewable Heating on a Grand Scale

High-rise residential buildings pose unique challenges due to the scale of heating required. GSHPs, particularly in communal systems, offer a reliable and scalable solution.

Why GSHPs?

• Can supply consistent heat across multiple floors.
• Centralised systems simplify maintenance and management.
• Help meet urban decarbonisation goals.

The Enfield Tower Blocks project, delivered by Kensa Contracting and Genius Energy Lab, represents a groundbreaking example of how ground source heat pumps can revolutionise heating in high-rise residential buildings. As the largest shared ground loop array retrofit scheme in England, this innovative project has set a benchmark for sustainable urban heating solutions.

The Broader Benefits of GSHPs

Across all these applications, GSHPs offer several overarching advantages:

• Carbon Savings: By using renewable ground energy, GSHPs significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Longevity: Systems can last over 20 years with minimal maintenance.
• Energy Security: By relying on the stable underground temperature, GSHPs reduce dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets.

GSHPs are also among the most efficient heating technologies available, with Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) values significantly higher than traditional systems.

• GSHP SCOP: Typically between 3.5 and 5.0, meaning they deliver 3.5–5 units of heat for every unit of electricity used.
• Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP): SCOP ranges from 2.5 to 3.5. Performance drops in colder climates.
• Gas Boilers: SCOP equivalent of less than 1.0 (inefficient by comparison).

These efficiencies of course translate to lower operating costs and reduced carbon emissions, making GSHPs a clear winner for sustainability.

Partner with Onsen Energy for Borehole Drilling and GSHP Solutions

Onsen Energy specialises in bespoke GSHP installations, offering expert borehole drilling services for projects of all sizes. From single-home retrofits to expansive district heating systems, our borehole drilling services meet the needs of a wide range of project types. 

From district heating networks to retrofits, new builds, and tower blocks, the potential of GSHPs is vast. As the drive toward decarbonisation accelerates, this technology will play an integral role in reshaping how we heat and cool our buildings. Whether you’re planning a project or looking to retrofit, with the expertise of providers like ourselves here at Onsen Energy, you can harness the full potential of this technology.

Contact our team to discuss how borehole drilling and ground source systems can become heating and cooling solution for your project—whatever the scale: gareth@onsenenergy.com

You can also sign up for our monthly mailer, Onsen On the Ground, for more insights and information on borehole drilling and ground source heat pump technology.