The deepest geothermal energy well in the UK has completed drilling operations at its site in Redruth, Cornwall.
Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL) began drilling operations last November and, at 5.1km (3.1 miles) deep, is the deepest well of its kind in the country. With temperatures reaching 195C, it is also reported to be the hottest, and, if successful in producing geothermal electricity and sustainable heat, an example for others to follow.
Initial water flow tests indicate that the £18m project would be successful in producing the UK’s first geothermal electricity and sustainable heat.
Dr Ryan Law, Managing Director at GEL, said: "What we are doing in Cornwall is vitally important for the whole geothermal energy sector.
"All eyes were on us. There has been an enormous amount of interest in this site from all over Europe, so it was very important that we drilled these two wells successfully."
Further tests will be carried out over the next three months before a geothermal power plant is built on top of the rig, he added.
Members of the Cornwall regional centre visited the plant in May this year.