Drilling starts for United Downs Deep Geothermal Project in Cornwall, England

Drilling rig on site at UDDGP in Cornwall, England (source: twitter/ Geothermal Engineering)

Alexander Richter 6 Nov 2018

With preparations done, drilling work has started for the first deep geothermal power project in the United Kingdom the United Downs Deep Geothermal Project.

The project plans to drill two wells to a depth of 4,500 meters and 2,500 meters into granite near Redruth, Cornwall.

Planned as an EGS project, the project aims to pump down cold water to be heated in the granite below, which has an expected temperature of 200 degrees Celsius.  When heated up the water will then be pumped to the surface.

With a power plant on site, it is expected that electricity for up to 3,000 households can be generated.

As described in an article by BBC this morning, the development group sees the granite below Cornwall as an ideal choice due to its heat-producing features.

The key question for development now will be whether the rocks beneath are sufficiently permeable to get the water through and be heated sufficiently to drive a turbine on the surface, so energy firm Geothermal Engineering Limited.

There are currently two other geothermal projects in Cornwall. The Eden Project – a power project near a biodome facility, and the Jubilee Pool in Penzance, which is drilling a geothermal well for hot water to feed the bathing facilities.

The United Downs Deep Geothermal Project has an estimated investment volume of GBP 18 million, with GBP 10.6 million received from the European Regional Development Fund, GBP 2.4m from Cornwall Council and GBP 5m from private investors.

“Geothermal energy could deliver up to 20% of the UK’s electricity and heat energy in a reliable and sustainable way”, so Geothermal Engineering Manging Director Dr. Ryan Law. “It is incredibly exciting to see this pioneering project getting off the ground in what we hope will be the start of many similar initiatives across the UK.”

Source: BBC