The United Kingdom has achieved a significant milestone in renewable energy with the activation of its first deep geothermal electricity plant in Cornwall. This groundbreaking facility, developed by Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL), represents a £50 million investment and harnesses heat from over three miles underground to produce continuous, clean electricity.
A Dual-Purpose Innovation
Located at the United Downs site, the plant operates by drawing water at temperatures exceeding 190 degrees Celsius from the country's deepest well, which extends more than five kilometers below the surface. This superheated water drives turbines, generating a reliable three megawatts of power sufficient for approximately 10,000 households. In a fortunate twist, the water is also rich in lithium, a critical mineral essential for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries.
Lithium Extraction and Production
GEL plans to extract lithium carbonate from the geothermal fluid, producing an estimated 100 tonnes annually starting this year. This output is enough to fabricate around 2,500 car batteries, contributing to the domestic supply chain for zero-carbon transportation. Ryan Law, chief executive and founder of GEL, described the lithium discovery as "just lucky," noting that while the geothermal project had been in development for years, the mineral extraction was an unexpected but valuable by-product.
The company emphasizes that the geothermal process naturally cools the fluid to facilitate lithium extraction, utilizing the generated power to process the mineral efficiently. This integrated approach reduces reliance on imported lithium, particularly from countries like China, and supports Europe's push for greater self-sufficiency in critical minerals.
Expansion and Future Prospects
GEL has ambitious plans to expand its operations in Cornwall, with two additional geothermal projects in the pipeline. Collectively, these initiatives could boost power generation to up to 10 megawatts and potentially produce enough lithium for 250,000 electric vehicles each year. Octopus Energy has already secured a long-term agreement to purchase at least three megawatts of electricity from the initial site.
Dr. Law highlighted the vast potential of geothermal energy across the UK, likening it to tapping into a "massive nuclear power station that someone's already built." He stressed that the resource is "gigantic," offering a sustainable solution for large-scale renewable power generation without the intermittency issues associated with solar or wind energy.
Geological Advantages in Cornwall
The Cornwall region is particularly suited for geothermal energy due to its unique geological features. Natural fractures in the granite rock, known locally as crosscourses, act as reservoirs for hot water. The naturally elevated temperatures within this granite make it an ideal environment for efficient geothermal energy production, as explained on GEL's website.
Energy minister Alan Whitehead praised the project as a "ground-breaking moment for UK energy innovation," underscoring its role in delivering clean, domestically sourced power. This development not only advances the UK's renewable energy capabilities but also positions Cornwall as a hub for sustainable technology and mineral extraction.
As the plant begins full-scale operation, it sets a precedent for future geothermal ventures, combining electricity generation with resource recovery to support both environmental goals and economic growth. The integration of lithium extraction adds a strategic dimension, aligning with global efforts to transition to electric mobility and reduce carbon emissions.
