Wednesday 19 January 2011

Eden Project’s Geothermal on course for 2014

The Eden Project's plans for an independent geothermal power plant are on course for completion in early 2014.

The plant, which will power The Eden Project, could produce up to 4MW of electrical capacity. Any remaining electricity will be put back on the grid for the local community.

Matt Hastings, The Eden Project's Energy Manager said: "Geothermal is the holy grail of renewable energy. What other technologies can deliver 85 - 90% of the time at maximum combined heat and power? Other technologies have a negative environmental impact whereas deep geothermal has a minimum environmental impact even at maximum capacity."

Ground preparation and drilling work are due to start in May with the drill rig on site for August or September. Actual construction of the plant depends on the results of an initial simulation exercise. Once construction begins, it is expected to take a further 12 months.

The projected cost of the plant is £25million, and assuming no government subsidies are forthcoming, The Eden Project's commercial partner Engineered Geothermal Systems will fund the project.