Geothermal Engineering Ltd have submitted the following for consideration regarding their proposal at the land adjacent to the wind turbine station road, Camelford, PL32 9TZ. This is to develop a geothermal power plant including site preparation, drilling of two deep geothermal wells, resource testing, construction of a binary cycle power station and subsequent operation:
Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL) is the developer and operator of deep geothermal projects in Cornwall. This type of renewable energy has been used all over the world to generate power for over 100 years, with >16GWe currently installed globally. It uses the heat from the Earth’s crust to generate electricity 24/7, no matter the weather.
In Cornwall, the granite beneath our feet is naturally heat-producing, making it one of the hottest places in the UK and therefore best for harnessing geothermal energy. To access this natural subsurface heat, two deep wells are drilled into a permeable fault zone and connected to a binary power plant with an extremely small surface footprint. This process generates clean, green renewable electricity without emitting steam or smell, as well as zero-carbon heat that can be used for industrial, agricultural, leisure or residential purposes.
It’s important to GEL that our projects also support the local community. We do this by:
– Supporting community activities through our dedicated community engagement team.
– Ensuring regular, two-way communication with a Community Liaison Group.• Setting up a community grant fund to support local projects.
– Setting up a community grant fund to support local projects.
– Spending >£1m on local services.
– GEL have been working with Sir James Smith School for nearly two years, including lessons, talks, and careers fairs.
Currently, GEL has one project in construction at United Downs, with electricity generation anticipated by the end of 2024. GEL has planning permission for two additional sites in west Cornwall, and two further planning applications are under consideration.
GEL planning applications are scrutinised by multiple consultees to ensure our projects meet all regulatory requirements, are sensitive to the local environment, and comply with the local neighbourhood development plan. All projects must meet strict planning conditions including following an approved transport route, noise level restrictions, and a net increase in biodiversity.
For more information, please visit the GEL website or contact our Community Engagement & Education Manager, Jane Charman j.charman@geothermalengineering.co.uk
For more details on the planning application and for representations, see the planning portal at Cornwall Council: https://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=S5K8HDFGKTP00
