Visit to the UK’s hottest and deepest onshore well!

News By Katie Moore
Critical Minerals Challenge Centre team at the Geothermal Energy Lithium (GEL) site in Cornwall

On 30 July, a team from the Critical Minerals Challenge Centre visited the Geothermal Energy Lithium (GEL) site at United Downs in Cornwall. Project & Research Coordinator Tom Olver welcomed the group and shared the fascinating journey of GEL—from the early days of geothermal exploration in Cornwall to their current milestone: preparing to switch on the UK’s first geothermal power plant and begin supplying electricity to the National Grid.

Located near Redruth, the United Downs deep geothermal project is a pioneering initiative, funded through a blend of public and private investment including the European Regional Development Fund, Cornwall Council, and Thrive Renewables Plc. The project aims to harness power and heat from the hot granite rocks beneath Cornwall, marking a significant step forward in sustainable energy innovation.

United Downs is GEL’s flagship development site, situated in the heart of west Cornwall just a few miles southwest of Truro. It boasts the UK’s hottest and deepest onshore well, reaching an impressive depth of 5,275 metres.

During the visit, the Challenge Centre team engaged in discussions around both the technical and social dimensions of the project. Community engagement emerged as a key focus for GEL—not only at United Downs but also in future developments. This aspect is of particular interest to the Centre’s social science experts, who are exploring how local communities interact with and benefit from both past and future mining projects.

In addition to leading the way in geothermal energy, GEL is also exploring the extraction of lithium from geothermal brines—an exciting development that could contribute to the UK’s critical minerals strategy.

The visit highlighted numerous opportunities for collaboration between GEL and the Challenge Centre. As one of our partners, it was fantastic to meet the GEL team in person and experience the site first hand.

GEL regularly hosts open days and site visits. To learn more or plan your visit, head to their website.