Research and analysis

Future of the subsurface

This Foresight report examines the future role, uses and planning of the subsurface.

• From: Government Office for Science
• Published: 3 October 2024
• Last updated: 28 November 2024 — See all updates

Documents

Future of the subsurface

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Future of the subsurface PDF

PDF, 6.46 MB, 109 pages

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Future of the subsurface: subsurface space management in the UK (annex)

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Future of the subsurface: subsurface space management in the UK (annex) PDF

PDF, 1.1 MB, 26 pages

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Future of the subsurface: urban water management in the UK (annex)

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Future of the subsurface: urban water management in the UK (annex) PDF

PDF, 998 KB, 31 pages

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Future of the subsurface: geothermal energy generation in the UK (annex)

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Future of the subsurface: geothermal energy generation in the UK (annex) PDF

PDF, 1.22 MB, 25 pages

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Future of tunnelling: high level review of emerging technologies (annex)

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Future of tunnelling: high level review of emerging technologies (annex) PDF

PDF, 2.65 MB, 36 pages

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Details

This Foresight report highlights the vital role that the subsurface plays in housing assets and services required for everyday life.

The project takes a long-term view of subsurface management, looking out to 2040 for possible challenges and opportunities, and uses a systems-thinking approach to explore the complexity and interconnectedness of subsurface features and activities. It aims to inform future-resilient policies for subsurface management in the UK.

Published 3 October 2024
Last updated 28 November 2024 + show all updates

1. 28 November 2024

   Made minor amend to numbering

2. 3 October 2024

   First published.