Geothermal power: The clean energy beneath our feet that could help Britain ditch fossil fuels
Its something miners have always known: the further down you go, the hotter it gets. But, asks Harry Cockburn , can Britain catch up with the rest of Europe in using geothermal heat to help tackle the climate crisis Hot topic: the geothermal power plant at Blue Lagoon, Iceland offers an example of how Britain could ease its energy crisis T he core of the Earth is hotter than the surface of the Sun. Depending on how deep we dig, humans can tap an endless source of energy from the ground directly beneath our feet. According to the most conservative estimates, across Britain, for every 1,000 metres down you go, temperatures rise by around 25-30C, and by much more in certain areas. And utilising this heat for our homes and businesses, as well as to generate electricity, has few drawbacks next-to-no emissions, minimal surface equipment, and deployable in almost all locations. Miners around the UK have known this for centuries: the deeper you go, the hotter the work. But unlike the coal, oil and gas routinely drilled for around these isles, this abundance of free heat has scarcely been harnessed in Britain. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Eden Project co-founder Sir Tim Smit with Eden Geothermal Ltd CEO Gus Grand Eden Project The deeper you go, the hotter it gets Getty/iStock Krafla geothermal power plant in Iceland Getty/iStock Eden Projects geothermal drill Eden Project Hot topic: the geothermal power plant at Blue Lagoon, Iceland offers an example of how Britain could ease its energy crisis Getty/iStock Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Log in New to The Independent? Or if you would prefer: Want an ad-free experience? Hi {{indy.fullName}}