The University of Exter is to be part of pioneering research into the exploitation of a previously untapped underground energy source. Government funding totalling £6 million has been announced for a project to develop the UK’s first commercial-scale geothermal power plant. The successful bid includes the British firm Geothermal Engineering Ltd setting up a research centre with the University of Exeter Sustainability Institute, which specialises in engineering, mathematics and physical sciences.

While the first geothermal plant will be in Cornwall, it is planned to roll out to further sites across Devon in the future.

Granite found under Devon and Cornwall has previously been said to have the “most promising” geological formation for “hot rocks” energy production in Europe. Alongside wind and wave energy, it would put the south west at the cutting edge of ‘green’ power generation.