An MP from outside of the area, visited Bishop Auckland to evaluate the town's potential for securing Britain's energy future.

Darren Jones, MP for Bristol North West, who chairs the House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee, visited the Auckland Project to learn about the area’s potential to play a key role in securing a more environmentally-friendly future.

On a visit to TAP Developments, Mr Jones heard about The Auckland Project’s plans to harness geothermal energy to heat Bishop Auckland Castle, as a step towards exploring its potential as a new low-carbon heat source that could bring down energy bills and create local jobs.

Mr Jones said: “It was great to be invited by The Auckland Project to explore how organisations in Bishop Auckland are working on developing geothermal energy.

“From the geothermal resources in South Durham to the potential for tidal energy in my home area in the South West, it’s important to make regional-based decisions to improve the UK’s energy security and to work towards achieving Net Zero.”

Read more: Five arrested in courier fraud crackdown after elderly people in Durham targeted

In 2004, a 995m deep borehole drilled into County Durham’s Weardale granite led to the discovery of what is believed to be the highest natural permeability rock - meaning it was able to pass fluids or gas - anywhere in the world, meaning a powerful heat source just 1km underground.

David Maddan, CEO of TAP Developments, said: “The geothermal system, using the heat from the hot granite below Bishop Auckland, will allow us to start the town’s journey to low carbon energy and potentially to build a new local industry.

“Our project team, which includes Durham University’s Durham Energy Institute, is one of the geothermal innovation projects across the North East which aim to establish the region as a centre of geothermal expertise.”

The potential for this underground heat source to be brought to the surface safely and with a very low carbon footprint has been known for some time, but the case for business investment has been more difficult.

Read more: 'Such an amazing experience': Newcastle woman appears on SAS: Who Dares Wins

The Bishop Auckland project hopes to test new methods of geothermal extraction and demonstrate its commercial viability, helping the industry to develop.

Sam Rushworth, the Labour Party Candidate for Bishop Auckland at the next election, believes low-carbon energy production will play a key role in the future economy of the area.

He said: “The recent energy crisis has exposed our vulnerability. It is vital Britain becomes energy self-reliant, but with the USA and EU investing heavily in their home-grown energy sectors, we risk being left behind. The next Labour government will invest £28 billion of capital a year in helping Britain develop its green energy sector.

“I am fighting to ensure that investment comes to Bishop Auckland and the South Durham area. With our natural geothermal power, on and offshore wind, proximity to East Coast Hydrogen, and strong local engineering base, we are well-placed to develop well paid jobs in the energy sector for the next generation.” 

Read next:

Get more from The Northern Echo. Save 20% on a Premium Plus digital subscription this month.