How big a role can geothermal energy generation play in the UK's green transition?
Well, a new plant coming on line in Cornwall will test that proposition, as its major up-front investment starts to pay off in energy generation.
Of course, we're used to big up-front investment(s) in nuclear power, so it will be interesting to see how this project compares in cost recovery terms & longevity of production.
@ChrisMayLA6 Germany operates geothermic plants since the 80s, mostly for heating.
But we also have quite a few which also produce electricity in range of ~5-10MW.
The positive is that there will be almost no waste. I'd expect some because they also want to use the water to extract Lithium. But that's nothing compared to a nuclear power plant.
@Brokar @ChrisMayLA6 I've been following Quaise energy with the new drilling tech: https://www.quaise.com/
I really like the idea of converting fossil fuel plants into geothermal.
I'm in favor of companies who actually produce something. Not a fan of startups which promise you the world and only 1% of them actually succeed and deliver.
But i wish them all the luck, this is a promising project. And if they'd put all the AI money into projects of this kind instead, we'd all be living better.
But to be honest, i know that drilling down to 5km works, it's done today. Drilling down to 20km is a whole different league. I know of no commercial projects yet which drilled down that far.
My question would be "why not build 2 plants with only 10km depth?" Should be the same result and certainly much less difficult than 20km depth.
Big ambitions are good but you should start with the middle way first, show that it works.
Emeritus Prof Christopher May
Brokar
Simon Gulak
Janet Fraser