The UK has made a significant leap towards renewable energy with the launch of its very first geothermal power plant, harnessing the natural heat from deep underground to generate electricity.
Located in Cornwall, the United Downs plant has been in the works for nearly two decades and is now set to provide enough clean energy to power 10,000 homes. This groundbreaking project taps into geothermal energy, which is derived from heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface. The team at Geothermal Engineering Ltd. (GEL) undertook the remarkable task of drilling the deepest onshore well in the UK, reaching over 3 miles deep to access the geothermal fluid needed for the plant.
The geothermal water, heated to over 190°C, enables the plant to produce electricity continuously, day and night, regardless of weather conditions. This innovative approach not only supplies power to thousands of households but also marks the beginning of the UK’s first domestic lithium supply, a vital mineral for green technologies.
Dr. Ryan Law, CEO of GEL, expressed his enthusiasm about the plant’s opening, calling it a “huge advancement for geothermal power in the UK.” He highlighted that geothermal energy and critical minerals extraction naturally complement each other, as both utilize the same underground resources. “The hot, mineral-rich fluids that generate clean electricity can also be processed to recover strategic materials like lithium carbonate,” he explained.
This synergy allows for the co-location of power generation and mineral extraction facilities, enhancing investment in the wells, reducing subsurface disruption, and accelerating the transition to a secure domestic supply in both sectors.
According to GEL, the geothermal water extracted from the well contains one of the highest lithium concentrations globally. Starting in February 2026, the plant is projected to produce 100 tons of lithium carbonate annually, a crucial component for rechargeable batteries, including those used in electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.
While ground source heat pumps are already utilized in the UK, such as in Southampton for heating hundreds of homes, the United Downs project takes geothermal technology to new depths, generating not just heat but also electricity.
The total investment in the project has been around $59 million, funded through private investors and the EU. The energy generated at United Downs will be purchased by Octopus Energy, which will distribute it via the national grid to approximately 10,000 homes.
Looking ahead, GEL has plans to develop two additional geothermal power plants. Although one proposed site faced initial rejection due to environmental concerns, the company is currently appealing that decision. This marks an exciting phase for renewable energy in the UK, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
