New geothermal energy project comes online in UK, first in 37 years

The UK’s first operating deep geothermal heating plant in 37 years was opened and began generating heat on Monday at the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Eden Geothermal officially began operations on Monday, the UK’s first deep geothermal project to come online since 1986, marking a potentially huge milestone for the future of renewable energy in the UK.

Located beneath the renowned Eden Project Biomes in Cornwall, Eden Geothermal completed drilling a 4.9km well in 2021 and subsequently installed a 4km-long vacuum insulated tube.

Hot water from deep beneath the Cornwall granite is pumped to the surface and then passed through a heat exchanger before the cooled water is then re-injected into the well via an outer ring.

Heat generated from the well is delivered via a 3.8km heat main, at around 85 degrees Centigrade, and will now supply Eden Project’s Biomes and offices as well as a new state-of-the-art nursery, Growing Point.

“Geothermal is the sleeping giant of renewables: lying not under our noses, but literally under our feet,” said Sir Tim Smit KBE, co-founder of the Eden Project.

“The Netherlands’ geothermal industry started with heating for greenhouses, and they are now aiming for it to contribute to a quarter of all their heating by 2050.”

Building on the work of education charity Eden Project Biomes, the geothermal energy will heat the two massive biomes onsite, one which houses a simulated rainforest environment and the second a simulated Mediterranean environment.

“This is a big moment for Eden Geothermal and renewables in the UK, but we’ve only just begun,” said Gus Grand, CEO of Eden Geothermal.

“In the race to decarbonise, progress has been slow for heat technologies, behind electricity and transport, but geothermal energy, with its small surface impact, can be used in urban areas and for large institutions, factories, hospitals, universities, and schools.

“This project is a great demonstration, heating a whole rainforest and commercial nursery, with hopefully a distillery on the way,” Grand said.

The Growing Point nursery will similarly be heated by geothermal energy, and further supports the nursery’s efforts to demonstrate a regenerative sustainability and circular system in both its construction and operation.

The nursery’s proximity to Eden Project’s restaurant means it will also supply herbs, salads, fruits, spices, and potatoes, giving credence to Eden’s so-called “500m menu”, so called because the restaurant is only 500 metres from the nursery.

“We are developing new ways to grow and new ways to encourage people to think differently about plants and the planet,” said Rob Chatwin, group CEO of the Eden Project.

“We have built a landmark sustainable nursery – a pillar of our wider ambitions for the future impact and expansion of the Eden Project – and it will help us accelerate massively our mission towards a climate positive future.”