Geothermal energy is the heat in the rock beneath our feet. Worldwide, natural spas have been enjoyed for millennia. In active volcanic and tectonic areas, like Iceland and Italy, hot rocks have been producing power for a hundred years.
In partnership with EGS Energy and Bestec UK, we set up a new company, Eden Geothermal Ltd, that has built a geothermal plant on our Cornwall site, using the heat from the granite underground.
On a site the size of a football pitch, close to the main gate, we have drilled a single well 5.3km deep into the rock. The geothermal plant will produce enough heat for Eden's Biomes and nursery, Growing Point. Eventually, the project will save at least 500 tonnes of greenhouse gases, as we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and make significant steps in reducing our own carbon footprint.
Because generating geothermal power is not affected by the weather; it is 'on' 24 hours a day, with plants typically running over 90% of the time.