News

Exploring public perception of geothermal development in Cornwall, England

Exploring public perception of geothermal development in Cornwall, England University of Plymouth - Project Website - screenshot
Alexander Richter 11 Sep 2018

In partnership with the United Downs Deep Geothermal Project and its developers and funding by the EU Regional Development Fund, the University of Plymouth is conducting independent research into the public perception of the development of the project.

The University of Plymouth’s Sustainable Earth Institute in England/ UK is conducting independent research into perceptions and attitudes about the United Downs Deep Geothermal Power project in Cornwall, which we have been reporting.

There are three main areas of research for the project:

  • Psychology – trying to understand how people picture the geological subsurface, and what emotions people feel about a geothermal power project.
  • Sociology – investigating the impact of the media on communications about geothermal, and using state-of-the art software to assess how people access and interpret any new media information.
  • Communications – looking at how to improve communications between companies interested in this new technology and the residents that will live near potential geothermal sites.

The project is a partnership of organisations exploring if geothermal power is a viable energy resource for the UK. It is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Cornwall Council.

The project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund, under one stream of funding under the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Growth Programme 2014–2020.

Details about the project can be found via the link below.

Source: University of Plymouth