Research and analysis

Environmental and social impacts from co-location of net zero subsurface activities: summary

Published 8 April 2026

Applies to England

1. Chief Scientist’s Group report summary

This joint Environment Agency and British Geological Survey research project explored how net zero subsurface activities could be located within the same or neighbouring geological settings and reviewed their potential environmental and social impacts. This work provides a holistic understanding of how the subsurface might be used for net zero technologies and helps inform place-based planning and decision-making.

1.1 Background

The United Kingdom (UK) aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Achieving this goal requires deploying a range of technologies that reduce, remove or store greenhouse gases. Many of these technologies use the subsurface for part or all their operations. As deployment of these technologies accelerates, demand for subsurface space will increase, which could lead to crowding, interactions between technologies, and local environmental or social challenges.

1.2 Approach

This project examined the potential for co-location of net zero subsurface technologies across the UK by analysing their geological requirements and constraints. The technologies considered were:

• wind energy
• carbon capture and storage
• geological energy storage (hydrogen and compressed air)
• geothermal energy (hydrothermal, petrothermal, mine water, and shallow geothermal)

The study combined existing mapping with datasets showing the potential locations for each technology across the UK to identify areas where multiple technologies could feasibly operate. Possible environmental and social impacts were identified though a literature review and expert workshops. The findings reflect current understanding and could change as knowledge of the technologies and the UK’s subsurface evolves.

1.3 Main findings

Greater use of the subsurface introduces both risks and opportunities. Potential risks include interactions within operational zones and in surrounding subsurface space. They range from short-term effects (such as induced microseismicity) to long-term issues (such as brine migration and cumulative changes to subsurface pressure and chemistry). It is also possible that different infrastructure could collide, particularly in the shallow subsurface. At the same time, co-locating technologies could generate synergies, such as shared infrastructure and monitoring.

Areas with higher potential for net zero subsurface activities are concentrated around geological settings such as salt caverns and deep saline aquifers. Planned net zero industrial clusters often coincide with locations with higher potential for net zero technologies. Many other parts of the UK offer opportunities for deploying technologies such as shallow geothermal or wind energy.

Public perceptions and levels of acceptance vary widely across technologies. Transparent, early engagement and place-based communication approaches will be essential to ensure that communities understand and can participate in decisions about subsurface developments. The context of each site, its geological characteristics, local history, and social fabric will shape both opportunities and challenges.

1.4 Conclusions

The timing, spatial distribution and possible combinations of subsurface net zero technology deployment are complex, as each technology is at a different stage of development. As subsurface use intensifies to support net zero goals, strategic planning will become increasingly important to allow multiple activities to coexist while protecting the environment, communities, and subsurface resources in the long-term.

The project recommendations highlight where stronger evidence around subsurface operations, geological characteristics, and associated social and environmental implications is required to support more informed decision-making.

1.5 Publication details

This summary relates to information from project SC240034, reported in detail in the following output:

• Report: SC240034/R
• Title: Environmental and social impacts from co-location of net zero subsurface activities
• Environment Agency Project manager: Sian Loveless, Chief Scientist’s Group, Environment Agency
• British Geological Survey Project manager: Jim White, Decarbonisation theme, British Geological Survey
• Authors: Lucy Abel, Ceri Vincent, Harry Morris, Hayley Vosper, Jim White - British Geological Survey. Katie Dow, Sian Loveless - Environment Agency

This project was delivered by the Environment Agency’s Chief Scientist’s Group and British Geological Survey. The Chief Scientist’s Group provides scientific knowledge, tools and techniques to enable us to protect and manage the environment as effectively as possible.

Enquiries: research@environment-agency.gov.uk.

© Environment Agency