This winter marked a significant milestone for the UK as the Eden Project’s Biomes, offices, and new state-of-the-art plant nursery were heated by deep geothermal energy for the first time since 1986.
The 5 km well, located on the Eden Project site and operated by Eden Geothermal Ltd, started generating heat in June 2023. As the colder weather set in, it began supplying heat to the Eden Project’s Biomes, the new state-of-the-art plant nursery and education hub, and the offices. This well is the UK’s first operational deep geothermal well since 1986.
The pioneering geothermal technology is expected to save up to 500 tonnes per year of carbon dioxide. It will nearly eliminate the need for gas at the Eden Project, equating to the gas usage of 227 UK homes. This marks a major step in the organisation’s path to achieving net zero and realising its goal of becoming climate positive by 2030.
In addition to heating the Eden Project’s vast Biomes and offices, geothermal energy plays a crucial role in the brand-new plant and education facility, constructed beyond the Biomes. The Growing Point nursery demonstrates regenerative sustainability and circular systems in its construction, operation, and purpose.
Regenerative sustainability is the practice of improving conditions rather than merely causing less harm. This principle can be applied to environmental, social, and economic initiatives. Circular systems, or the circular economy, aim to minimise or eliminate waste and make the most of resources by reusing, recycling, and regenerating materials.
Constructed from lightweight, recyclable materials, Growing Point collects rainwater and utilises geothermal heat to cultivate plants for the Eden Project’s gardens, restaurants, and shop.
Si Bellamy OBE, the Eden Project’s Chief Transformation Officer, commented, “We are working with and for nature to develop new ways to grow and new ways to encourage people to think differently about plants, the planet, and themselves.
“We have built a landmark sustainable nursery and education facility – a pillar of our wider ambitions for the future impact and expansion of the Eden Project, and it will help us accelerate massively our mission towards a climate-positive future.”
Using deep geothermal heat enables the Eden Project’s horticulture team to extend the growing season for produce such as fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables. It also allows them to experiment with exotic produce typically imported, including bananas, papayas, ginger, and lemongrass.
Enteq Technologies plc (LON:NTQ) develops and supplies equipment for Measurement, Logging and Geo-steering while drilling of wells for the Geothermal, Oil and Gas markets.
