Hatch celebrates the opening of the UK’s first lithium carbonate production facility using deep geothermal power
United Downs, UK - Today, Hatch celebrated, with our partner Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL), the official opening of the UK’s first combined lithium carbonate production facility and first deep geothermal power plant. This important milestone was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Perran Moon, Member of Parliament for Camborne and Redruth, Lord Teverson, Member of the House of Lords as well as the Hatch team. This marks a significant day for the advancement of renewable energy production and a key step towards a reduction in the reliance on traditional mining methods for critical battery elements.
Global electrification strategy is fueling demand for lithium-ion batteries used for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, with demand expected to rise more than 5x current levels by 2040.
Since the 1800s it has been known that there is a high concentration of lithium in geothermal brines in Cornwall, and the plant’s innovative process allows for the most effective extraction of lithium after power production. The United Downs Industrial site in West Cornwall, just a few miles from Truro, has unique geology, with vast underground granite batholiths that contain the hottest and deepest onshore well in the UK, measuring a total depth of over 5km – an ideal location for geothermal energy production. The water brought to the surface at the United Downs site contains over 340 parts per million (ppm) of lithium, making it one of the highest concentrations found in any well to date in the world.
Hatch developed a novel lithium process, tailored to the strengths and requirements of GEL’s unique geothermal brine. Hatch’s lithium subject matter experts designed the lithium demonstration plant and directed the test work programme. Additionally, Hatch provided technical direction and oversight in the capacity of GEL owner’s engineer during the demonstration plant detail design and construction phases.
“We are delighted to have started production of the first UK lithium carbonate from deep geothermal brines. Hatch has been instrumental in all engineering and technical matters relating to the project and we look forward to continuing the partnership as we scale-up.” — Tony Wilson, Chief Operating Officer, GEL
“We’ve been working side-by-side by GEL for the past three years. This plant stands as a testament to the strength of our close partnership and our shared commitment to delivering practical solutions for Europe’s evolving energy needs,” shared Siddarth Subramani, Hatch global director, Lithium. “As GEL moves to expand this demonstration plant into a commercial facility, we look forward to continuing our collaboration and bringing the full depth of our expertise to support their success.”
The plant is expected to produce 100 tonnes of lithium carbonate per year and within the next decade aims to scale its production to over 18,000 tpa, making GEL one of the largest producers in Europe. At the same time, the geothermal power plant will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 10,000 homes.
Hatch is honoured to partner with GEL on this significant project that is creating innovative and cost-effective solutions to the world’s toughest challenges.
For more information, please contact:
Lindsay Janca
Global Director, Public Relations
Tel: +1 905 403 4199
Email: media@hatch.com
About Hatch
Hatch is a global engineering, project delivery, and professional services firm. Whatever our clients envision, our teams can design and build. With seven decades of business and technical experience in the mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors, we know your business and understand that your challenges are changing rapidly. We respond quickly with solutions that are smarter, more efficient, and innovative. We draw upon our 11,000 staff with experience in over 150 countries to challenge the status quo and create positive change for our clients, our employees, and the communities we serve.
Find out more on www.hatch.com.
About GEL
GEL was established in 2008 to prove that geothermal power generation was possible in the UK. It consists of a team of geologists, engineers and community engagement specialists focused on innovative methods of delivering sustainable, baseload energy. The company is now branching out into zero carbon mineral production. The company’s flagship project is at United Downs in Cornwall, where it has drilled to over 5kms and will switch on power in 2024. The company is backed by Thrive Renewables plc and Kerogen Capital.