The new heated section will open to the public in the summer of 2019. The project is being undertaken by Geothermal Engineering after securing funding from the European Regional Development Fund. GEL has secured a license from Geon Energy, a joint venture company set up by Arup and GEL for some of the technology used in the project.
Geon Energy has developed the technology which enables the delivery of an efficient, renewable and sustainable heating supply. The innovative process involves drilling a geothermal well to a depth of 1.4km and drawing up water that has been heated by the surrounding ground using a small pump. The heat is then transferred to water in adjacent pipes which flow into the pool.
“The use of geothermal energy significantly reduces emissions of greenhouse gases associated with the supply of heat and we hope that the learning and expertise gained from this ground-breaking project will be exported elsewhere, giving Cornwall the chance to be a leader in geothermal technology and installatio,.” said Ryan Law, MD of GEL.
Dr. Matthew Free, Director, Arup, said, “ Not only will the well deliver heat cost effectively and with practically zero carbon emissions, it should prove an attractive idea for the local community and for visitors – why go to Iceland, Japan or New Zealand to experience water warmed from deep underground? The resulting economic benefits to Penzance should be significant.”
