Tapping the Earth: A Feasibility Study on Geothermal Heating at Industrial Sites
Company Information
Petrofac UK is an energy services company that helps design, build, and run oil, gas, and renewable energy facilities. Their work includes engineering projects, managing offshore platforms, and keeping equipment operating safely and efficiently. They support energy companies by providing skilled teams that maintain sites and help produce reliable energy. Petrofac has thousands of employees in the UK and worldwide and focuses on safer, cleaner, and more efficient energy solutions as part of the global energy transition
Project Overview
They support energy companies by providing skilled teams that maintain sites and help produce reliable energy. Petrofac has thousands of employees in the UK and worldwide and focuses on safer, cleaner, and more efficient energy solutions as part of the global energy transition
This project focuses on assessing whether geothermal energy could replace the current gas-fired water heater used to heat natural gas.
Project Aim
The aim of the project is for the intern to investigate whether geothermal energy can replace the current gas-fired water heater used to heat natural gas. They will study how geothermal heating works, compare it with the existing system, and assess potential benefits such as lower emissions, reduced fuel use, and long-term cost savings. The intern will analyse technical feasibility, explore required changes, and present clear recommendations to help decide if this cleaner heating option is worth future investment.
Why This Project Is Valuable
Switching from a gas-fired water heater to clean geothermal energy can help cut carbon emissions and lower fuel use, supporting its long-term goal of safer, cleaner, and more efficient operations. Geothermal heat is reliable, renewable, and can reduce running costs over time. By exploring this option, we can improve environmental performance, reduce dependence on fossil fuels for heating, and demonstrate real progress toward cleaner energy solutions that support the company’s transition strategy.
What You Will Do
- Meet with specialist vendors and engineers to understand geothermal technology and how it compares to gas-fired heating
- Gather data on the current system
- Review technical specifications
- Analyse energy use, emissions, and costs
- Model performance with engineering software
- Support feasibility assessments
- Help evaluate equipment requirements
- Prepare a clear report and a stakeholder-ready presentation summarising findings, benefits, and recommendations
Science, Engineering and Technical Understanding
- Learning how geothermal heating works and how it compares to gas-fired heating
- Comparing energy use, emissions, and operational costs
- Using engineering software to support feasibility modelling
- Evaluating equipment requirements and technical feasibility
- Producing evidence-based recommendations for an industrial heating application
Planning and Organisation
- Gather and organise data on the current system and geothermal options
- Record assumptions, sources, and calculations clearly
- Structure the investigation around feasibility, costs, emissions, and equipment changes
- Present clear conclusions and recommended next steps in written and presentation form
Skills Developed
- Engineering
- Research
- Problem Solving
- Data Analysis
Final Outputs
The intern will produce a clear report explaining how geothermal energy could replace the gas-fired water heater, including comparisons of energy use, emissions, operational costs, and potential savings. The report will outline technical feasibility, required equipment changes, and expected environmental benefits. The intern will also prepare a stakeholder-ready presentation summarizing the opportunity, key findings, cost and carbon-saving potential, and recommended next steps to consider future investment.
Reflection and Evaluation
Your report may include:
- What you learned about geothermal heating and the existing gas-fired system
- How geothermal compares to the current approach (energy use, emissions, costs)
- Key challenges or uncertainties identified in the feasibility study
- How confident you are in the conclusions and why
- What further work would be needed before future investment decisions
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