As soon as 2013, the UK could have its first commercial geothermal power plant after local planning permission was given for an exploratory drilling project in Cornwall. The permission will allow engineers to drill a 4.5km deep borehole near Redruth early next year with another exploratory drill near the Eden Project in Bodelva still awaiting approval.

These investigative drills are the first foray into the geothermal power sector in the UK and the Government hopes that this form of renewable energy can provide between 1 and 5 gigawatts of electricity by 2030. Germany currently has around 150 projects for geothermal power plants on the go.

Geothermal energy works by pumping water anywhere up to 5km underground where it is head by hot rocks. The water is then pumped back up to the surface to be used as a source of renewable heat or to generate electricity. Whereas many renewable like wind power can be unpredictable, geothermal energy can be operated on a steady basis, 24 hours a day. Most opportunities to generate geothermal power in the UK are expected to be in Cornwall as extensive research conducted in the 70s and 80s discovered massive potential in the area’s granite bedrock.

The potential projects have received full backing from the Department for Energy and Climate Change with the provision of £2 million funding aimed to kick-start development in this sector of renewable energy sources.

If the exploratory drill at Redruth is successful, a geothermal plant here would produce 10 megawatts of electricity as well as 55 megawatts of renewable heat for local residents. 

Author:  Thomas Davies

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