COP26 President Alok Sharma declares full steam ahead for Eden’s ground-breaking hot rocks project

 

COP 26 President-Designate Alok Sharma in the driller’s chair of MND’s Bentec 450 Eurorig at Eden Geothermal

The President-Designate of COP26, Alok Sharma, visited the Eden Geothermal site on Wednesday (19 May) to mark the start of drilling at the pioneering project.

Mr Sharma, who leads preparations for the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow this November, saw in place the 450-tonne capacity, 55-metre high rig drilling 4.5 kilometres into the Earth’s crust.

The COP 26 President’s visit comes ahead of the UK hosting a Climate and Environment Ministerial on 20-21 May as part of its G7 Presidency.

Ahead of his visit, Alok Sharma said: “The next decade is the most critical period for action to save our planet and the UK is leading by example as we build back better, and greener from the pandemic.

“Innovative technology, like that being used by Eden Geothermal to unlock sustainable, naturally occurring energy, is a fantastic example of being able to grow our economy through skilled jobs while cutting our emissions. I look forward to seeing this pioneering project moving full steam ahead.”

Among the visitors accompanying Mr Sharma was his spokesperson, Allegra Stratton, who is making a series of films in the run-in to the big event in Glasgow. You can see the film of the visit here

Mr Sharma with Steve Double, MP, representatives from Eden Geothermal and Eden Project , Eden Geothermal Project contractors, Cornwall Council and Cornwall LEP

See some media coverage of this news item here:

BBC: Eden Project: Drilling starts for geothermal power – BBC News

Cornwall Live: UN climate change president Alok Sharma praises ‘innovative’ Eden geothermal energy project – Cornwall Live