GEL secures UK government grant to expand lithium extraction at United Downs geothermal site
Lithium carbonate produced at the United Downs geothermal facility (source: GEL)
Carlo Cariaga
16 Apr 2026
GEL has secured funding from the UK government to scale up their lithium production operations at the United Downs geothermal site in Cornwall.
Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL) has secured new funding from the UK government that will go towards the expansion of lithium extraction operations at their United Downs geothermal site in Cornwall.
Earlier this year, GEL achieved a first in the UK with the start of commercial-scale production of lithium from geothermal brine at the United Downs site. The United Downs also happened to be the first deep geothermal power plant in the UK.
The lithium production facility started at an initial capacity of 100 tonnes per annum, but GEL intends to scale up its production to over 18,000 tonnes per annum over the next decade. This will be enough for about 250,000 EV batteries a year, or 65% of the UK’s 2024 Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) registrations. With access to one of the highest known concentrations of lithium in geothermal brine in the world, GEL is well-positioned to be a pioneer in this market.
“We’re already proud to be delivering the UK’s first commercial-scale lithium production at United Downs. This funding marks an exciting step forward as we continue to scale and strengthen a reliable, low-carbon domestic supply of lithium in what is a significant milestone for both Cornwall and the UK,” said Ryan Law, CEO of GEL.
The grant was awarded as part of the DRIVE35 funding programme which supports innovation, scale-up, and industrial transformation within the automotive sector. The programme is delivered by Department for Business and Trade in partnership with the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) and Innovate UK.
Another grant had also been awarded under this programme to Weardale Lithium, a startup developing a geothermal lithium project in Weardale in County Durham.
“The projects announced today demonstrate the UK’s determination to lead the shift to zero-emission mobility. By facilitating the UK Government’s DRIVE35 grants, we are turning world-class innovation into industrial capability. With our partners in DBT and Innovate UK, we are backing manufacturers, empowering SMEs, and strengthening the UK’s sovereign supply chain,” said Ian Constance, CEO of APC.
RELATED: The United Downs geothermal power project: A story of tenacity and adaptability
Source: Geothermal Engineering Ltd.
