The UK’s first deep geothermal plant has started operations at United Downs, Cornwall, generating renewable electricity from over 5km (around 3 miles) underground. The site will produce 3 megawatts (MW) of power — enough to supply 10,000 homes — with plans for three Cornwall projects to reach 10MW.
The geothermal water, heated to over 190°C, also contains high lithium concentrations. Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL) will extract 100 tonnes of lithium carbonate per year, enough for roughly 2,500 electric vehicles (EVs).
Key developments:
• GEL plans to expand lithium production across Cornwall to supply enough for 250,000 EVs annually.
• Surplus power will be sold to Octopus Energy under a long-term agreement.
• Government support highlighted by Dr Alan Whitehead, Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero.
• GEL advocates a “green national premium” to encourage domestic, zero-carbon mineral production.
ℹ️ ITV News
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