Geothermal power plant proposed near Perranporth
Environmental assessment underway for potential new development
Preparations are underway for a new geothermal power plant that could be built near Perranporth.
Wardell Armstrong has been tasked by Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL) to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment screening in anticipation of a planning application for the development at Penhallow.
The plan is a resubmission of a previously approved application from September 2022, which has since expired.
Geothermal Engineering Ltd is known for its management of the United Downs Geothermal Project, expected to become operational this spring.
The new proposal outlines plans for three phases, beginning with drilling and testing, which have been included in the current outline planning application.
Once drilling and testing are complete, a subsequent application will be needed for the power generation phase.
Drilling at the site is anticipated to take approximately one year, operating around the clock for up to nine months with a drill rig not exceeding 55 meters in height.
Two wells are planned, with the deepest reaching around 4.5 kilometers.
A lagoon will be built on site to store water and will remain throughout the plant's operational period.
Though the power plant will occupy less than half of the site, it will include elements such as a bank of cooling fans and the lagoon.
Additionally, a site office, an electricity sub-station for grid connection, and storage containers for spare parts and materials will be installed.