Things are hotting up as drilling passes halfway mark

We’re now well past halfway towards our target depth of 4.5 kilometres,  and with drilling continuing at around 70 metres a day, we are optimistic we’ll reach our target depth in the next two-and-a-half months. 

We have also been greatly encouraged by the temperatures being recorded as drilling goes deeper, and are confident that when 4.5 kilometres is reached the heat will be in the range of 170-190 degrees. 

We’re checking the subterranean heat and the geology at different depths by analysing the cooling fluid which is circulated down the well during drilling.  

Eden Geothermal Project Manager Max Skerratt said: “Going past the halfway point towards the Earth’s crust is a monumental moment for the project, like sailing over the Equator for the first time. The further down we go, the more we are discovering about what lies deep beneath our feet.  

“We know that it is very hot down there. The heat of the mud coming back up is telling us that.  We know that we can predict specific temperatures at specific depths, which is super encouraging as we head towards the completion of drilling of the first well.” 

Wellsite geologists from Cornwall-based GeoScience Ltd are sampling mineralogy throughout the project to help build on knowledge of the deep geothermal resource. It is hoped this will provide greater understanding of the geology at depth, enabling more resources in the region to become characterised as reserves. 

Following a successful first phase at Eden, the aim is to drill a second well close to the first to a similar depth of around 4.5 kilometres.