The UK’s geothermal sector is looking towards Cornwall to lead the way on its development following a new proposal made at the start of the year to revolutionise deep geothermal.
Shaped by Cornwall Trade and Investment, the proposal aims to build on innovations made in the US in terms of deep geothermal, making it significantly more financially viable and increasing the energy output from wells.
The proposal for a UK FORGE Programme (Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy) was first launched in December last year at Eden Geothermal with support from MPs Perran Moon, Jayne Kirkham and Noah Law. The programme aims to pull the industry together, along with buyers and governments, to shape a full case for investment into the sector and harness the potential of geothermal energy across the UK.
Perran Moon, MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, said, “I firmly believe geothermal presents a significant opportunity for Cornwall and the wider UK. Cornwall has the expertise and the experience, and alongside the advances made in the US, there is real potential to develop this industry.
“Geothermal could provide high quality local jobs and help meet the rising energy needs, and I’m delighted to be part of launching this new proposal and increasing awareness of its potential to make a difference.”
Gus Grand, CEO of Eden Geothermal, commented, “Since 2023, the Eden Project has been heating its Biomes, Growing Point plant nursery and education centre, and offices with heat sourced from geothermal energy. Our 5.3km well was the first deep geothermal well to come online in the UK since 1986, we were delighted to host the launch of the UK FORGE proposal.”
Cornwall is home to the UK’s most advanced deep geothermal projects as both the South Wes and North East of England pose the most geothermal potential. UK geothermal projects have stalled in the past due to high costs and long drilling times, but the significant innovations made in the US have increased the viability in harnessing geothermal in the UK.