Ecotricity to power homes with Geothermal energy in UK first
Press enquiries
If you are a journalist with a media enquiry, please contact our Press Office by email at pressoffice@ecotricity.co.uk
For all other general enquiries, please call 0345 555 7100 or email home@ecotricity.co.uk.
Originally posted 4 January 2021
Ecotricity, the world’s first green energy company, has signed a pioneering agreement that enables the production and sale of geothermal electricity for the first time in the UK – generating steam more than 3 miles beneath Cornwall to power homes with renewable energy.
The geothermal site on the United Downs in Cornwall was covered in a Sunday Times magazine feature on 3rd January 2021, which predicts geothermal power could eventually provide up to 10% of the country’s energy needs and be an “always on” renewable source.
Ecotricity’s partnership with Geothermal Engineering Limited will see a minimum of 3MW of baseload 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 Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for energy generated at the site.
Dale Vince, Founder of Ecotricity, said...
“Geothermal is a really exciting form of energy that is currently
untapped in the UK. We’re pleased to be part of this project and to add the
power to our customer’s energy mix. It has a big role to play in our plans to
decarbonise the country.”
Dr Ryan Law, Founder and Managing Director of Geothermal Engineering Limited, added...
“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, which will be used to mature and then distil sustainable rum.
Similar articles
Ecotricity Explains: How to bleed a radiator
A recent government study found that 90% of homes in England have a boiler system with radiators as the main way to heat their property. But how often do you bleed your radiators?
Ecotricity Explains: Dale’s position on heat pumps
Our founder, Dale Vince OBE, has been in the news recently about his position on heat pumps – but the headlines can be misleading. That’s why we wanted to put the facts all in one place to clear things up.
Ecotricity is the new Creative Energy Scheme partner to BAFTA albert
Ecotricity is the new supplier for albert’s Creative Energy Scheme