UK’s First Geothermal Plant Powers 10,000 Homes and Unlocks Domestic Lithium Supply
Cornwall’s United Downs plant harnesses super-heated underground water to generate electricity and extract lithium, marking a breakthrough for UK renewable energy and green technology
The UK’s first geothermal power plant has officially launched in Cornwall, providing 24/7 renewable electricity for 10,000 homes and producing the country’s first domestic supply of lithium, a critical mineral for green technology. Developed by Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL), the £50 million project drilled three miles underground—the deepest onshore well in the UK—to tap into super-heated water at nearly 200°C. The plant will also extract lithium carbonate, supporting the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) and battery industries. While experts hail it as a "major step forward", high drilling costs and funding challenges remain barriers to scaling up geothermal energy nationwide.