What do you believe is the single most important factor driving up the cost of living in Nigeria?

As we navigate the complex landscape of energy transition, a promising solution is emerging from an often overlooked source: our existing oil and gas infrastructure. While the need to move away from fossil fuels is clear, the path forward must be both workable and sustainable—technically, economically, and environmentally.

At Heriot-Watt University's Global Research Institute for "net zero and beyond," iNetz+, we're exploring how repurposing oil and gas wells for geothermal energy could play a crucial role in Scotland and the world's renewable energy future.

The geothermal potential of the North Sea

The North Sea, long known for its oil and gas reserves, harbors another valuable resource—heat. Geothermal energy, an almost inexhaustible renewable resource, has been used for power generation worldwide since the early 20th century. Now, as we look to decommission oil and gas wells, we have an unprecedented opportunity to tap into this clean energy source.

Repurposing existing infrastructure for geothermal energy offers a multitude of advantages. It's a cost-effective approach that avoids the environmental impact and substantial expense of drilling new wells. After decades of production, these reservoirs are well understood, significantly reducing the risk of drilling new wells that potentially fail—an important factor in guaranteeing the economic viability of such projects.

• Read More