UK Parliamentarians ask for more support for deep geothermal development
Pernzance, Cornwall, UK (source: flickr/ The Brit_2, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
2 Dec 2010
A group of UK parliamentarians with sponsors of all parties is making a case for greater investment in deep geothermal development and regrets the cut into the Deep Geothermal Challenge Fund in 2010.
Reported from the UK, “An Early Day Motion has been tabled in Parliament to make the case for greater investment in deep geothermal development. The motion has sponsors from MPs of all parties.
Deep geothermal energy is accessed by drilling into hot rocks at depths of up to 5km. The heat stored in the hot rocks is used to generate steam for electricity generation and local heating.
The motion notes that technological advances have widened the number of geographical areas available for deep geothermal development. Cornwall is currently leading the way with two hot rocks projects underway from two different companies – EGS Energy and Geothermal Engineering.
The motion regrets that DECC’s Deep Geothermal Challenge Fund has been cut in half in 2010 and that current financial support under the Renewables Obligation is inadequate. Deep geothermal energy is also not currently included in the Renewable Heat Incentive or the Feed-In Tariff scheme.
The motion urges the government to introduce early legislation to support deep geothermal exploration licences and to ensure early inclusion of deep geothermal heat and power in mainstream renewables support. Julian German, a cabinet member of Cornwall Council, said: “Cornwall Council is extremely positive about the opportunities that geothermal energy will bring to Cornwall and its communities. It is essential that we utilise our vast array of renewable energy potential and electricity.”
Source: Insider Media
