Over the past two decades, the UK has been gradually transitioning from fossil fuels to a clean energy system, with a target to meet all its annual electricity demand from clean sources by 2030 and to reach net zero across the board by 2050. While significant progress has been made, with >60% of British electricity reported to currently come from clean sources, comparatively little progress has been made on clean domestic and industrial heating and cooling, and we are still a long way from meeting our targets. Decarbonising our energy system, as well as future-ready existing energy infrastructure is a complex challenge that will require a well-thought through, well-balanced, and multi-faceted infrastructure solutions rather than a single fix.

This conference aims to explore the crucial role of geotechnics in providing the foundation, both literally and metaphorically, for the UK to build a future-proof, sustainable, secure, affordable, and resilient energy system. 

The conference will comprise a two-day content programme with speakers presenting papers and posters across several streams. It will also feature an exhibition, a gala dinner and numerous networking opportunities.

The conference will cover themes including research, innovation, and case studies related to:

• geotechnics of offshore and onshore wind energy
• geotechnics in hydro energy
• geotechnics supporting solar energy infrastructure
• geotechnics in hydrogen storage and supply
• geotechnics in bioenergy
• geothermal energy for heating, cooling and/or power applications
• geotechnics in delivery of nuclear energy as well as management of waste
• geotechnics for grid infrastructure
• temporary works for energy geotechnics
• any other topic in renewable energy geotechnics