Geothermal Engineering develops projects for 20 MW of power in Cornwall

UK firm Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL) plans to deliver four deep geothermal power projects in Cornwall by 2026 for a total of 20 MW of baseload electricity and 100 MW of heat, it announced today.

The company has signed heads of terms in relation to the four sites, each of which will bring 5 MW of electrical capacity and 20 MW of heat to the local area. Together, the plants will generate enough power to supply about 45,000 households.

Ryan Law, the company’s managing director, noted that GEL has already proved that its deep geothermal technology works at United Downs. The firm announced today that its proof of concept power plant on the particular industrial estate in Cornwall now produces geothermal steam at 175 degrees C. It will be converted to deliver some 3 MWe of power to the National Grid and is expected to supply its first electricity next year.

This particular project was developed with funding from investment company Thrive Renewables Plc.

“Over the next 20 years, our target is to produce in excess of 500 MW of power from geothermal resources making this one of the most significant and reliable baseload power sources in the UK,” Law said.

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