Netting Zeros

EP 5: Digging Deep into Geothermal with Hazel Starmer-Jones


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Guest: Hazel Starmer-Jones, Former Development Manager at Geothermal Engineering Limited (GEL)

This episode explores the past, present and future of geothermal energy through an on-site visit to the UK’s first commercial geothermal energy project.

Nate interviews Hazel Starmer-Jones former development manager at GEL about their geothermal project at the United Downs site in Cornwall. They discuss the science behind geothermal, the geological conditions that make Cornwall ripe for subsurface power, and the multi-decade journey GEL has been on to establish the UK's first geothermal power plant.

Hazel explains the advantages of geothermal as a baseload power source, the site's discovery of lithium-rich fluids, and the potential for geothermal heating and lithium extraction. They also cover the technical challenges of deep drilling, policy barriers that have hindered development, strategies for community engagement, and workforce development needs. Finally, Hazel provides insights into the future expansion of geothermal across the UK.

Key Topics:

  • How geothermal energy works 

  • Cornwall's geological conditions for geothermal

  • History of geothermal efforts in UK/Cornwall

  • Overcoming economic barriers to geothermal

  • Advantages of geothermal power 

  • Geothermal heating applications 

  • Lithium discovery in geothermal fluids 

  • Deep drilling challenges 

  • Policy incentives and regulatory hurdles 

  • Managing seismic risks

  • Community engagement strategies 

  • Green workforce development needs

  • Future UK geothermal potential 

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