THE UK’s first geothermal power plant and first commercial-scale lithium production facility took place at United Downs this morning [Thursday, February 26].

Geothermal Engineering Limited (GEL) will deliver enough constant and clean geothermal electricity to power 10,000 homes, and is aiming to produce enough lithium carbonate to supply around 250,000 electric vehicles per year within the next decade.

The geothermal fluid used for the power plant comes from the deepest well ever drilled on UK soil at over five kilometres deep. The naturally heated water exceeds 190°C – the hottest recorded in the UK. That heat generates electricity 24/7, regardless of weather; the switch was flicked today to ensure that electricity is delivered to the National Grid.

GEL chief executive Dr Ryan Law unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion, in the company of Lord Teverson, who championed this technology as a member of the European Parliament during the 1990s.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of this landmark step for the UK, generating electricity and lithium by harnessing the resources beneath our feet.

“This is a huge advancement for geothermal power in the UK and the beginning of our expansion plans,” said Dr Law. “Geothermal energy and critical minerals extraction are naturally complementary as they share the same subsurface resource. The hot, mineral-rich fluids that generate clean electricity can also be processed to recover strategic materials like lithium carbonate. The United Downs plants prove we can do this in a way that benefits the climate, communities, and the economy.”

Octopus Energy has signed a long-term deal to purchase at least 3MW of constant, weather-independent power from United Downs. Founder Greg Jackson said: “For the first time, we’re bringing deep geothermal power to British homes - a clean, constant energy source right beneath our feet. Projects like United Downs show how the UK can cut bills and carbon by tapping every ounce of our renewable potential.”

In another UK first, GEL has started commercial scale production of zero-carbon lithium carbonate, the key raw material used in the production of rechargeable batteries, including those that power electric vehicles and energy storage systems. From its February 2026 starting point, GEL the plant has the capacity to produce 100 tonnes per annum.

The water brought to the surface contains over 340 parts per million (ppm) of battery-grade lithium carbonate equivalent, making it one of the highest concentrations in the world. GEL aims to scale its production to over 18,000 tonnes per annum over the next 10 years. After being processed, the fluid is reinjected underground in a closed loop.

The plant drew praise from Dr Alan Whitehead, Minister of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. “The UK’s first ever geothermal power is a groundbreaking moment for UK energy innovation, powering thousands of homes with clean, homegrown power,” he said. “With zero‑carbon lithium now being produced here in the UK, British businesses are leading the way in securing the materials needed to power the next generation of electric cars.”