The UK’s first geothermal power plant holds promise for a greener and more sustainable future

Construction has started on the United Kingdom’s first geothermal power plant in Cornwall, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s renewable energy landscape

Geothermal Engineering Limited (GEL) is leading this groundbreaking initiative, expecting the power plant to begin renewable electricity generation by late 2024.

Supported by an initial commercial investment in 2020, followed by an additional £3 million injection in 2023, the project has gathered momentum toward its final phase.

Construction activities at the United Downs site are now in full swing, with GEL anticipating completion by the summer of this year, paving the way for the commencement of power production towards the end of 2024.

Sustainable energy solutions

The United Downs facility will tap into the natural heat reservoirs of hot granite rocks through two deep wells drilled and tested in 2019 and 2020.

This creative approach holds the potential to provide sustainable energy solutions, with projections aiming to supply power and heat for approximately 70,000 households in Cornwall by 2028.

Recent tests conducted at United Downs have revealed promising results, with geothermal fluid from the wells exhibiting one of the highest lithium concentrations in Europe, measured at 340 parts per million (ppm). This discovery positions the UK as a potential hub for lithium production, crucial for supporting the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry while promoting sustainability.

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Matthew Clayton, Managing Director of Thrive Renewables, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s implications, highlighting its role in fostering green jobs and positioning Cornwall as a frontrunner in environmental innovation. The initiative underlines the significant potential of geothermal energy to meet the region’s energy needs while advancing sustainable development goals.

Notably, GEL secured three Contracts for Difference last year, marking the first-ever contracts awarded for geothermal energy in the UK. These agreements guarantee a fixed price for the sale of renewable electricity generated at United Downs and two other sites, Manhay and Penhallow, ensuring financial viability and incentivising further investment in renewable energy infrastructure.

With construction well underway and promising prospects for sustainable energy production, the project signifies a key moment in the nation’s transition to a greener, more sustainable future.