Abstraction from groundwater for geothermal energy
This General Binding Rule (GBR) applies to the abstraction and subsequent return of groundwater for the purpose of extracting geothermal energy from the abstracted water or for the purpose of transferring heat to geological formations as part of a cooling system.
Authorisation level
General Binding Rule (GBR)
Rules
Abstraction from groundwater for geothermal energy is covered by General Binding Rules. If you intend to carry out this activity, and you comply with the rules set out below, your activity will be authorised. You don’t need to apply to SEPA for an authorisation.
If you carry out an activity under this authorisation you must comply with the rules. It is an offence if you do not comply with the rules.
If you cannot comply with the rules, you will need a different type of authorisation.
General Binding Rule (GBR) for abstraction from groundwater for geothermal energy
The abstracted water must be returned to the same part of the geological formation or the mine workings from which it was abstracted,
any volume of water may be abstracted but the volume of water abstracted and not returned must not exceed 10m3 per day,
no substances may be added to, or otherwise allowed to enter, the abstracted water prior to its return to the geological formation or the mine workings from which it was abstracted,
there must be a means of demonstrating that the net abstraction is not more than 10m3 in any one day,
water leakage must be kept to a minimum by ensuring that all pipe work, storage tanks and other equipment associated with the abstraction and use of the water are maintained in a good state of repair,
the activity must not be located within 250 metres of any abstraction of water intended for human consumption that is in use prior to the activity commencing and must not prevent any abstraction of water which is authorised under these Regulations provided it is in use prior to the activity commencing.