UK Geothermal Proposal Launched at Eden to Support Sector Growth

Cornwall is positioning itself to lead the development of the UK geothermal sector following the launch of a new national proposal at Eden Project last week.

The proposal, shaped by Cornwall Trade and Investment, was launched on Thursday 19th December at Eden Geothermal. It draws on technological advances made in the United States that have transformed deep geothermal energy, significantly improving financial viability and increasing energy output from wells.

Why Geothermal Matters

Geothermal energy can provide both renewable electricity and heat and can also be combined with lithium extraction. At depths of around 4.5km, geothermal has the potential to generate more than 2 GW of power, enough to supply around six million homes.

Unlike wind and solar, geothermal can deliver consistent baseload power regardless of weather conditions. This makes it scalable and potentially important for meeting the UK’s future energy needs, particularly as demand continues to rise due to technologies such as AI and datacentres.

UK FORGE Programme Launched at Eden

The proposal sets out plans for a UK FORGE Programme, short for Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy. The programme aims to bring together industry, energy buyers and government to develop a full business case for investment and unlock geothermal potential across the UK.

The launch was supported by MPs Perran Moon, Jayne Kirkham and Noah Law, alongside representatives from across the industry.

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.”

Cornwall’s Role and Experience

Cllr Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council, highlighted the county’s long-standing connection to underground industries.

“Cornwall’s heritage in working underground has shaped the Cornish nation and the renewed need for critical minerals and mining is bringing these industries back,” Leigh said.

“The incredible natural capital beneath us also allows us access to geothermal energy. Cornwall has the ability to contribute meaningfully to the UK’s growing demand for energy in a responsible way that brings value to our communities and I hope the opportunities for a growing UK Geothermal industry are realised.”

An Alternative to Nuclear Baseload Power

Piers Guy, Clean Energy Sector Lead at the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Economic Forum, said current UK policy focuses heavily on nuclear power for round the clock energy supply.

“UK policy is focused on nuclear power providing almost all of our clean baseload power, but this proposal for UK Geothermal presents an opportunity for an alternative approach,” Piers said.

“The hot rocks beneath our feet can also provide round the clock power, cost competitive with nuclear, as well as heat for homes and businesses.”

Skills, Jobs and Education

Cllr Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for economic regeneration, said geothermal could open up new career paths for young people in Cornwall.

“I am excited by the career opportunities being created here for our young people,” Tim said. “Our University and College campuses are ready and able to train the engineers, geologists, technicians, geophysicists and all the other specialists needed to support both the geothermal and mining sector.”

Lessons From the US

Cornwall is already home to the UK’s most advanced deep geothermal projects, with further potential identified in both the South West and North East of England.

Previous UK geothermal projects have faced challenges due to high costs, long drilling times and modest outputs. At Eden Geothermal and United Downs, drilling to 3.5km took around 100 days. By comparison, US company FERVO drilled to 4.8km in just 16 days this year, demonstrating how recent innovations could transform the viability of UK geothermal.

Eden’s Working Example

Gus Grand, CEO of Eden Geothermal, said the site has already been demonstrating what geothermal can achieve.

“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,” Gus said.

“Our 5.3km well was the first deep geothermal well to come online in the UK since 1986, so we were delighted to host the launch of the UK FORGE proposal. The opportunities with geothermal are real, and the impressive advancements made in the US increase the commercial viability of deep geothermal.”

The UK FORGE proposal now seeks support for further research and development to build a full business case for geothermal energy across the UK.