RYEDALE residents have been invited to find out more about a project to draw heat from 12 deep gas extraction wells, including one originally drilled for fracking.

The study was government-funded, with Ryedale District Council securing a £50,000 government grant for the work.

Third Energy, which owns the 12 wells in Ryedale, has also commissioned investigations to establish if they can be repurposed for geothermal energy to heat homes and businesses.

Residents are now invited to share their thoughts on the project at a series of events on July 6 at Pickering Methodist Church Hall at 2.30pm, and Ryedale House in Malton at 6.30pm.

They will also have the chance to take part in a survey about the scheme, which would be the first of its kind in the UK to repurpose these types of wells.

Cllr Mike Potter, member champion for climate change at Ryedale District Council, said: “We are keen to hear what local residents think about the idea. These two special events in Pickering and Malton are a valuable opportunity for people to ask questions and find out more.”

Email: info@arch-comms.co.uk, to register stating which event you would like to attend.  

More information about the project and the survey can be found at https://ryedale.commonplace.is/