A new geothermal energy project is set to be developed near Redruth in Cornwall, following a £10.6 million investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The United Downs Deep Geothermal Power project, the first of its kind in the UK, will be led by Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL) (www.geothermalengineering.co.uk).

Starting in early 2018, it will explore the geothermal resources at the site, with the aim of using the energy to drive a demonstration power plant supplying electricity to the local grid.

Two wells will be drilled, one 2.5km deep and the other 4.5km deep. Water will be circulated between them, collecting heat from the rocks before bringing it to the surface.

GEL project manager Peter Ledingham said: “Cornwall has the best geothermal resources in the country, but we have yet to press home our competitive advantage. By drilling the deep wells at United Downs, we hope to prove the quality of the resource and demonstrate the viability of generating renewable electricity from it.

“This project offers significant potential for economic growth in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, building on its reputation as a ‘green and marine’ region.”

Bob Egerton of Cornwall Council said: “For many years, geothermal technology has been trialled but not brought to fruition. Now we have an opportunity to take the technology to the next stage and hopefully realise its full potential.”