BDA Conference 2025 – Engineering the Energy Shift: Drilling for a Low-Carbon Future

May 22, 2025

The British Drilling Association (BDA) was pleased to host its flagship annual conference on 21^st May 2025, bringing together professionals from across the drilling, geotechnical and wider construction sectors to explore the theme: “Engineering the Energy Shift: Drilling for a Low-Carbon Future.” Set in the context of the UK’s accelerating net zero commitments, the event served as a forum for dialogue, learning and cross-sector collaboration on the role of ground investigation and drilling in enabling a more sustainable energy system. Across the day, delegates were treated to a stimulating and wide-ranging programme of expert presentations, insightful case studies, and forward-looking discussion, all designed to spotlight the contribution of drilling and geotechnics in the UK’s low-carbon journey.

Opening the event, BDA Chair Mark Toye welcomed attendees and highlighted the Association’s ongoing efforts to promote technical excellence, drive best practice and support the industry through a period of profound environmental and economic change. This was followed by a presentation from Julian Jones of Strada Geothermal (UK) Ltd, the Headline Sponsor of the event, who introduced Strada’s Dual Circulation, Percussion Hammer Drilling System. His session underscored how technical innovation can accelerate both drilling efficiency and environmental outcomes.

Ruth Griffiths of the Mining Remediation Authority then gave a thought-provoking presentation on the untapped potential of former mining sites in supporting low-carbon infrastructure. She shared how legacy industrial landscapes, which are often viewed as liabilities, can be transformed into assets, capable of supporting geothermal energy and other clean energy solutions with the right strategic approach.

Next to speak was Bean Beanland of the Heat Pump Federation, who explored the future potential of shallow ground-source heat pumps in the UK energy mix. Highlighting the need for regulatory clarity, coordinated development and investment in workforce skills, Beanland laid out a compelling vision for how the sector could deliver meaningful emissions reductions in domestic and commercial heating.

After a networking break, delegates were taken on a technical journey to the Scottish Highlands with Iain Murch and Keir Stewart of COWI, who provided a fascinating overview of the Coire Glas pumped storage hydropower project. As one of the UK’s largest proposed renewable energy schemes, Coire Glas exemplifies the complex geological, hydrological and logistical challenges that define the sector’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.

Representing the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS), Alison Nicholson of Buro Happold and Sarah Cook of Onyx Geo then took the stage to present the AGS Sustainability Routemap, developed by the AGS Sustainability Working Group. Their session outlined how this framework is already influencing decision-making within the ground investigation community, particularly through efforts to measure and reduce carbon emissions from field operations.

Building on this energy-focused narrative, Tim Montagu of the British Hydro Association delivered a passionate case for a renewed focus on pumped storage hydropower. In a grid increasingly dominated by intermittent renewables, Montagu argued, storage systems that can deliver long-duration, flexible supply are essential to maintaining system stability, making hydropower more relevant than ever.

Closing the day’s formal presentations was Andy Howley of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association, who provided a well-rounded update on the status of the UK ground-source sector. Addressing everything from installer accreditation and supply chain development to consumer awareness and planning policy, Andy’s talk offered both practical insights and a strategic roadmap for scaling up ground-source technology in line with climate goals.

Parallel to the speaker programme, delegates also had the chance to visit a dedicated exhibition space featuring some of the most innovative companies working in the field of drilling, site investigation and geotechnical engineering. This exhibition area provided an invaluable opportunity for hands-on learning and knowledge exchange, with exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge equipment, digital tools, sustainable drilling technologies and novel solutions for data acquisition, remediation, and site logistics.

A special thanks goes to the exhibitors who supported the conference and helped showcase the depth and breadth of expertise across the sector. Exhibitors included: BAM Ritchies, Boode UK, Equipe Group, Igne, In Situ SI, JLT, Marton Geotechnical Services Ltd, Mining Remediation Authority, Skelair, Stratum Drilling Solutions, and WJ UK. Their participation helped ensure that the event was not only informative but also interactive, offering attendees a chance to engage directly with leading suppliers and service providers from across the industry.

The BDA would also like to extend its sincere thanks to our engaging presenters and enthusiastic delegates for making the conference a success. We offer special thanks to our Headline Sponsor, Strada Geothermal (UK) Ltd, and to our Associate Sponsor, Causeway Geotech, for their valued contribution.

The BDA Conference 2025 proved once again why it remains a key fixture in the professional calendar for those involved in drilling and geotechnics. Combining strategic insight with hands-on technical detail, the event demonstrated how the sector is responding to the challenges of climate change with innovation, collaboration, and renewed purpose.