Work has started on preparing the ground for Eden’s pioneering geothermal heat and power project at its Bodelva site. This is on land just inside the main Eden Project visitor gate and is a significant step in what Eden sees as a clean-energy revolution for Cornwall and the UK.
After a 10-year campaign, last October (2019) Eden Project and EGS Energy Limited finally secured £16.8 million in funding to drill the first well. Funding is a mixture of public and private sources, with £9.9m from the European Regional Development Fund, and £1.4m from Cornwall Council.
Drilling was due to start this summer but the project was held up due to the global pandemic.
Work got underway on September 21st, with the first phase being the building of a hardstanding for the rig, connecting essential services, and putting in some temporary buildings and roadways within the site.
A viewing area is also being put in place so that visitors can safely watch the project progress from a nearby path.
This preparatory work is for the rig to be accommodated. When drilling starts, it is expected to take five months to reach the target zone 4.5 km down.
Augusta Grand, Executive Director of Eden Geothermal Limited, who has led Eden’s geothermal project for the last eight years, said: “Finally to be able to start work on the site is terrific.
“One of the great things about geothermal is that it is proven to provide baseload heat and power but has a very a small footprint on the land.
“We are looking forward to sharing the progress of the project with neighbours and visitors. ”
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