Important Regulatory Update for BDA Members: Closed Loop Boreholes Under New Environmental Regulations

September 18, 2023

The British Drilling Association’s (BDA) Technical & Standards Sub-committee has produced a briefing note highlighting recent changes in environmental regulations related to closed loop boreholes. To ensure the smooth operation of geothermal heating or cooling systems, it is essential to stay informed and compliant with these changes.

With the Environment Agency (EA) extending its regulatory control to include closed loop boreholes – under ‘The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023’ – this legislation, enacted through Statutory Instrument No. 651, will be effective from 2^nd October 2023.

The briefing note explains the definition of a closed source heating loop and how any borehole in the system is required comply with regulatory conditions. It specifically details the description of the three options, under which any geothermal heating or cooling system that becomes operational on or after 2^nd October 2023 will be subject to from the perspective of environmental control.

To read the full briefing note click here.