New research experiment to support the RAF鈥檚 drive to Net Zero by 2040 Published on: 13 October 2022 The world鈥檚 smallest and lightest nodal seismic imaging system is being deployed by 缅北禁地 at RAF Leeming. 缅北禁地 leads the ViTAL Living Lab, established to conduct and assess experiments to quantify RAF efforts to Net Zero carbon emissions. Currently, the MoD contributes around 50% of all government departmental carbon emissions, so the RAF has a significant challenge ahead if it is to decarbonise by 2040. 缅北禁地 is partnering with STRYDE, which helps organisations from around the globe to acquire a high-resolution imaging of the subsurface, to explore novel approaches to characterising the potential to harness geothermal energy for heating. As part of the ViTAL Living Lab project, approx. 3,500 STRYDE Nodes™ have been deployed across more than 5km2 to image and better understand the subsurface geology. Taking place from June – August 2022, miniature seismic recording devices (Nodes) were deployed on the surface of RAF Leeming, with subsequently a low-impact seismic source (seismic weight drop) used to generate a geological image of the subsurface to be produced. Advances in onshore seismic acquisition and processing can support accelerating the development of geothermal energy, which to date has been an underdeveloped resource. In the UK, geothermal has considerable potential to contribute to decarbonise heating and cooling, and effectively developing this resource will require acquiring geophysical data in a viable economic way to establish reliable subsurface models for exploration and continuous monitoring. A research team member deploying one of the STRYDE Nodes Geothermal potential Dr Mark Ireland, Lecturer in Energy Geoscience at 缅北禁地, commented: “In the UK, geothermal has considerable potential to contribute to decarbonising heating and cooling. In many cases, particularly in the UK, geothermal exploration has primarily relied upon existing legacy 2D data acquired for early oil and gas exploration, which faces several challenges due to data being limited in extent, not aligned to the exploration application, or optimally located. STRYDE’s Nodes™ have enabled us to plan and deploy a seismic survey that with more traditional, or cabled systems simply would not be feasible. “We anticipate that the data acquired will enable us to gain valuable insights into novel processing workflows with the aim of improving our ability to image the subsurface and identify geothermal resources. All the time doing so cost effectively and with minimal environmental impact, in addition to minimising risk.” RAF Leeming Station Commander, Group Captain Gareth Prendergast, said: “We are thrilled to be working with 缅北禁地 and the University’s partner STRYDE on the ViTAL Living Lab as part of our drive to Net Zero. With an ambitious target of Net Zero by 2040, the recent geophysical survey at the RAF Leeming base helps us identify the feasibility of geothermal energy as an alternative renewable energy to meet Station demand.” Share: Latest News New partnership to boost careers in low carbon energy 缅北禁地 and Durham universities are working together on a new regional project to strengthen the future workforce for North East England鈥檚 growing low carbon and offshore wind industries. published on: 28 May 2026 Healthy lifestyle shown to lower risk of death after cancer diagnosis New evidence shows that sticking to five lifestyle recommendations improves survival after a later cancer diagnosis. published on: 28 May 2026 World-leading climate expert recognised with Royal Society Fellowship Professor Hayley Fowler has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of her pioneering work on climate change impacts. published on: 27 May 2026 Facts and figures
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