First PPA to be signed in the UK for geothermal electricity

0

Ecotricity has signed an agreement that enables the production and sale of geothermal electricity for the first time in the UK. The geothermal site on the United Downs in Cornwall –generates steam more than 3 miles beneath Cornwall to power homes with renewable energy.

Ecotricity’s partnership with Geothermal Engineering will see a minimum of 3MW of base-load electricity – enough to power 10,000 homes a year – produced by the plant and distributed via the National Grid. It is the first time that electricity from geothermal energy has been produced and sold in the UK. Ecotricity has agreed a 10-year PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) for energy generated at the site.

Dr Ryan Law, Founder and managing director of Geothermal Engineering, “We have spent many years working towards this point and are thrilled to see this pioneering geothermal power plant coming together. Our work shows the significant potential of geothermal energy to supply both heat and energy across Cornwall. We are very excited for the industry, investment and jobs this renewable resource could bring to the region.”

The power plant is expected to be fully operational by early 2022.

In addition to power generated at the site, plans have been submitted for a geothermally heated biome, that will be used to mature and then distil sustainable rum.

The Energyst is a stakeholder for Net Zero Week – find out more here.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here