Our story
The United Downs Deep Geothermal Power project is the first geothermal power plant in the UK. It is funded by a mixture of public and private funds, including the European Regional Development Fund, Cornwall Council and Thrive Renewables plc.
The aim of the project is to produce power and heat from the hot granite rocks beneath Cornwall at the United Downs Industrial Site near Redruth, and the plant is operated by Geothermal Engineering (GEL), a private UK company.
Geothermal Engineering Ltd was founded in 2008 with the aim of developing geothermal heat and power projects and acts as both a developer and an operator. GEL has always had a vision to use the geothermal resources beneath our feet for zero carbon electricity, heating and cooling; that geothermal should fill the gap for 24/7 renewable energy production, regardless of the weather.
The ethos of the United Downs project was to utilise local products and services as much as possible; to involve the local community; and to be sympathetic to the natural environment, minimising disruption and creating areas for biodiversity and to sustain local ecosystems.
Our advice
Community engagement from the outset of the project has been fundamental in getting community and council support. Transparency has entailed giving people the opportunity to visit the geothermal project site, speak to members of the team and watch site activity as well as being able to take away information about the geothermal power project.
Working with education establishments has given the team an opportunity to encourage and inspire the next generation to aspire to a career in renewable energy. Lastly having a cohesive team who work well together and complement each other's skills has meant projects run smoothly.
Our Changeprint
Our Changeprint can be measured by the amount of geothermal energy produced; the amount of waste heat utilised; the number green jobs created; by demonstrating the potential for baseload geothermal energy generation and for significant CO2 savings compared to the current energy mix; and by providing a blueprint for future geothermal sites.
