United Downs Deep Geothermal Power Project, UK. Project Update

Abstract

The United Downs Deep Geothermal Power project is the first geothermal power project in the United Kingdom. It is located near Redruth, Cornwall, UK and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Cornwall Council and private funding. The project consists of two deviated wells; a production well to a target depth of 4.5km and an injection well to 2.5km. Both wells are to be drilled through a sub-vertical, inactive fault structure, that is thought to provide enhanced permeability relative to the surrounding granitic rock. Heat gradients in Cornwall are relatively good and the bottom hole temperature is expected to be greater than 175C. The project has all permits in place and will start drilling in September 2018. This paper explores the background to the project, the Public engagement and education programmes and the principal results from the first well.