Geothermal power
With oil prices fluctuating in response to the conflict in Iran, attention is once again turning to how the UK sources its energy.
Tell me more.
Global energy prices are being influenced by geopolitical tensions, underlining the UK’s continued reliance on imported fossil fuels rather than homegrown energy sources. More than half of the UK’s electrical power was supplied by renewable energy in February 2026, mainly from solar, wind and hydroelectric sources. However, a new source of electricity has started feeding into the grid for the first time – geothermal power.
So, what is geothermal energy?
It taps into Earth’s natural heat, drawing hot water or steam from deep underground to drive turbines and generate electricity. The UK’s first deep geothermal plant, located at United Downs in Cornwall, drills several kilometres into hot granite rock to harness that heat and convert it into electricity.
What are the upsides?
One of geothermal’s biggest strengths is reliability as it doesn’t depend on the weather, meaning it can provide a steady, continuous supply of power. It also has a relatively small land footprint and produces very low emissions once operational. In theory, it could complement the UK’s existing renewables mix, especially when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining. There’s also long-term potential as studies suggest the UK has significant untapped geothermal resources, particularly in Cornwall and northern England.
“The UK’s first ever geothermal power plant is a ground-breaking moment for UK energy innovation, powering thousands of homes with clean, homegrown power.”
And the other side?
The United Downs plant will produce enough electricity to power around 10,000 homes – that’s only 0.01% of the UK’s total electricity demand. Costs are another challenge: drilling deep into the Earth is expensive and risky, with no guarantee of success. There are environmental considerations, such as the potential for minor earthquakes and the need to manage underground water resources carefully, and how these affect local populations.
What’s the government doing about it?
Government support for geothermal in the UK has historically been limited compared to wind and solar, but that may be starting to change, with around 32 geothermal projects now at different stages of development. Funding has been directed towards research and early-stage projects, including backing demonstration sites like United Downs, which received £30 million from public and private investment. More broadly, geothermal is also part of the government’s wider £91 million Green Heat Network Fund, aimed at supporting low-carbon heating projects. However, as most funding has been local, experts say that real growth will need clearer long-term policy, steady financial support and more investment in infrastructure.