| Title | Education and Community Outreach Programmes at the United Downs Deep Geothermal Power Project, Cornwall, UK |
|---|---|
| Authors | Lucy COTTON, Jane CHARMAN, Suzie DOE, Peter LEDINGHAM |
| Year | 2020 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | UK, Cornwall, deep geothermal, United Downs, education, community outreach |
| Abstract | The United Downs Deep Geothermal Power (UDDGP) project is the first geothermal power project in the United Kingdom. It aims to develop the geothermal resources in the heat-producing granites that lie beneath Cornwall in SW England. Financial support has come from the European Regional Development Fund and the local authority (Cornwall Council) who, together, have provided £13m of the £18m project budget. In November 2018 drilling started on the first of two deep wells; a 4,500m production well and a 2,500m deep injection well. In parallel with the technical programme, Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL) has given a high priority to the implementation of a diverse and inclusive programme of education and public outreach in the local and wider community. Dedicated educational materials on deep geothermal and wider environmental issues have been developed to suit a range of student ages from 5 years to degree level. The use of interactive games, animation videos, lectures and site visits has ensured that learning is accessible to all age groups. Secondary schools are also participating in a Cornish ‘seismicity for schools’ programme, creating a microseismic monitoring network using “Raspberry Shake†technology to integrate industry with academia by allowing local school children to process real time data from a live project. The education programme has so far reached more than 2,000 students. The outreach programme has built and strengthened GEL’s relationship with the community and aims to provide reliable and objective information about geothermal energy in general, and the United Downs project in particular. A community liaison group was established before the start of drilling and meets at regular intervals to discuss the progress of the project and any concerns local residents may have. Public open days are held at regular intervals throughout the year to encourage people to come and view the site, ask questions and learn about geothermal energy. GEL has also attended numerous community events, public meetings and county-wide shows, spreading the message to thousands of members of the public. The potential exists to develop geothermal resources throughout Cornwall but it is only with support from local communities that it will be able to gain momentum. Not only does GEL wish to create a sustainable geothermal industry for the county, it strives to inspire the younger generation to do the same. |