A quarry near Penryn is host to the UK’s first deep geothermal heat system to produce energy for 25 years.

Geothermal Engineering Ltd has been working at the Rosemanowes Quarry outside Penryn, where a shaft 2.5km has been drilled.

Having designed and installed a brand new deep geothermal heat system, the firm has succeeded in generating deep geothermal heat for the first time in the UK for over 25 years.

With the first plant online, there is now a potential for this technology to provide clean, safe, affordable and renewable heat to homes across the country, with the possibility of electricity being produced as well.

Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL) developed the project in conjunction with the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Following on from this successful trial, GEL is looking to develop commercial projects with partners looking to supply renewable, deep geothermal heat to buildings. The company will announce a number of high profile projects over the next 12 months.

Dr Ryan Law, Managing Director of Geothermal Engineering Ltd said, 'Geothermal energy could be a significant contributor to the UK's energy portfolio offering both heat and power. This project shows that GEL can deliver deep geothermal energy in Cornwall and we look forward to developing further projects in the region.'

Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy said: "We need a broad base of renewable energy in the UK and I am pleased to see that a deep geothermal heat project is finally producing energy. This nascent sector could make a real contribution to renewable heat supply in the UK. I am glad that DECC have been able to support this project via the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund. I wish GEL success for future projects."

Sarah Newton, MP for Truro and Falmouth, said: “Since my election in 2010 I have worked with Geothermal Engineering Ltd as I firmly believe that this is the sort of technology that we need to help meet our energy requirements while cutting our carbon emissions.”

“I am absolutely delighted that this new plant is successfully producing the heat that we need and I am very pleased that it is Cornwall that is leading the way. Cornwall has always been at the forefront of this technology and now that we have the first deep geothermal plant in a quarter of a century, the nation will be looking to Cornwall to lead the way.”