Cornish Geothermal Drilling Set To Begin
Planning permission has been granted for an exploratory drilling project in Cornwall which could result in the first commercial geothermal power plant in the UK being built, reports The Guardian. See previous Utility Exchange stories on Cornish geothermal energy: http://www.utility-exchange.co.uk/2009/12/cornish-geothermal-project-gets-cash-injection/.
Drilling will begin on the project in 2011. Initially a 4.5km borehole will be drilled at a site near Redruth. Another site at the Eden Project in Cornwall is still waiting approval.
If the Cornish drilling proves a success then the Redruth project will generate 10MW of electricity and 55MW of heat for the local community.
The Government hopes that geothermal power could generate between 1 and 5 GW of renewable energy by 2030. In comparison with Germany the UK is a long way behind in the geothermal stakes. Germany has around 150 geothermal power projects lined up.
Geothermal power has the advantage of being able to operate 24 hours a day and isn’t dependent on the weather for power generation as are other sources of renewable energy.
Research in the 1970’s and 1980’s found there were a number of opportunities for geothermal power in Cornwall. It’s one of the most suitable places for geothermal power in the country.
In an attempt to get the geothermal power ball rolling the Department for Energy and Climate Change has backed both projects with funding of over £2 million.
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The Guardian