United Downs Deep Geothermal Power
United Downs, near Redruth, Cornwall, England · 2018–Present (Construction started 2018, operational 2026) [1] [2]
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThis is the UK's first operational geothermal electricity project, demonstrating the potential for geothermal power generation and lithium extraction in Cornwall. It aims to provide baseload renewable energy and contribute to the UK's energy security. [1] [4]
Key engineering challenges
Drilling deep wells (up to 5 km) into hot granite rock to access geothermal reservoirs. [1] - Managing high temperatures and pressures encountered during drilling and operation. [1] - Extracting heat efficiently and converting it into electricity. [1] - Proving the commercial viability of deep geothermal power in the UK. [5]
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL)
- Lead contractor
- —
- Lead designers
- Geothermal Engineering Ltd
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- Powers 10,000 homes and produces lithium. [4]
- Disciplines
- geological; civil; mechanical; electrical; chemical; drilling; project management
- Standards & frameworks
- UK drilling and energy regulations.
Sources: GEL Energy: United Downs (https://gel.energy/about/united-downs/) [1] - Thrive Renewables: United Downs deep geothermal (https://www.thriverenewables.co.uk/projects/united-downs-geothermal/) [2] - BBC News: Earth's heat to produce electricity for homes in UK clean energy first (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cewzg77k721o) [3] - Energy Digital: The Story of the UK's First Ever Geothermal Power Plant (https://energydigital.com/news/the-story-of-the-uks-first-ever-geothermal-power-plant) [4] - University of Plymouth: United Downs Deep Geothermal Power project (https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/institutes/sustainable-earth/deep-geothermal) [5]