Funders

About Eden's proposed geothermal power plant

Located close to the main gate, we will drill a single 4.5km well into the rock. This first phase of the geothermal plant will produce enough heat for Eden’s Biomes, offices and nursery greenhouses. The £16.8m project has been funded by the European Union, Cornwall Council and an institutional investor. Its success will pave the way for a second well and electricity plant, so that by 2023 Eden should be exporting enough renewable electricity and heat to wipe out its carbon footprint.

Engineered geothermal system

When we have completed the second phase, the power plant at the north end of our site would be an 'engineered geothermal system' (EGS). Here's how they work:

In construction

Two boreholes, each around 25cm wide, are drilled into the rock to a depth of about 4.5km. Water is pumped down one borehole into the natural fractures in the rock to create an engineered heat exchanger between the two boreholes. A heat exchanger is engineered between the two boreholes.

In operation

Cold water is injected down one borehole, picks up heat from the rock and is pumped back up to the surface at about 180°C. This hot water runs through a binary cycle turbine to make electricity.

Advantages of geothermal energy

Geothermal power is the only renewable energy resource not affected by the weather; it is 'on' 24 hours a day, with plants typically running over 90% of the time.

The surface area of the plant is the smallest of any power source, and with buildings no higher than 10m, geothermal energy has a low impact on the landscape.

Recent research has shown that geothermal energy could provide up to 20% of the UK's current electricity demand, and a vast amount of heating.

For more information on geothermal energy and the first phase project, please visit the Eden Geothermal Website, or take a look at our Understanding geothermal power infographic.

Eden Geothermal Community Evening

Please note that due to the coronavirus, this event has been postponed. We’ll post details of the new date here as soon it is confirmed.