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UK Company Extracts Lithium From Geothermal Fluids

WAMU 88.5 DC Cornwall 16d16d Impact 5

Cornwall-based company GEL has successfully drilled three miles into granite to access fluids heated to nearly 200 degrees. This geothermal resource is being used to generate electricity 24/7, marking a first for the United Kingdom. The technology utilizes fluids pumped from deep underground to drive turbines. This development follows existing UK practices of using shallow wells for ground source heat pumps to warm homes. A company in Cornwall is extracting fluids from five kilometers deep in the earth to generate geothermal energy. An extraction plant located next to the power station captures lithium from the water for sale to battery manufacturers. This method provides both renewable energy and critical mineral resources within the UK. The project aims to supply thousands of tonnes of lithium for battery manufacturers in the coming years.

Cornwall-based company GEL has successfully drilled three miles into granite to access fluids heated to nearly 200 degrees. This geothermal resource is being used to generate electricity 24/7, marking a first for the United Kingdom. The technology utilizes fluids pumped from deep underground to drive turbines. This development follows existing UK practices of using shallow wells for ground source heat pumps to warm homes. A company in Cornwall is extracting fluids from five kilometers deep in the earth to generate geothermal energy. An extraction plant located next to the power station captures lithium from the water for sale to battery manufacturers. This method provides both renewable energy and critical mineral resources within the UK. The project aims to supply thousands of tonnes of lithium for battery manufacturers in the coming years. Three additional projects are currently planned across the Cornwall region. One proposed project is currently paused following a local council rejection based on environmental concerns. Local supporters advocate for the return of mining to the mineral-rich area.

Topics

geothermal energy renewable energy UK technology

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Sources · 7 independent

WAMU 88.5 DC

“GEL, a company in Cornwall, has drilled much further down, three miles into the hard granites and managed to access fluids heated to almost 200 degrees.”

WAMU 88.5 DC

“to drill to reach the required temperatures. We have a great energy.”

WAMU 88.5 DC

“What they're doing is extracting fluids from five kilometres deep in the earth to bring up the heat. And as those fluids come up, they will also have some minerals in them.”

WAMU 88.5 DC

“and sell that potentially for battery manufacturer, even here in the UK. thousands of tonnes in the coming years, with three further projects planned across Cornwall.”

WAMU 88.5 DC

“UK Company Extracts Lithium From Geothermal Fluids”

WAMU 88.5 DC

“the UK's new geothermal power plant. And that was Climate Watch from the BBC. This is WAMU 88-5. the next time on one a.”

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