By creating access to geothermal energy with a 4.5km deep well, our client Eden Geothermal Ltd (EGL) was able to sustainably heat biomes, greenhouses, and offices at one of Europe’s most famous sustainable locations.
With the global geothermal energy industry projected to reach $9.4billion by 2027, the first phase of the Eden Geothermal project is a demonstrable success for a growing energy source which already accounts for 25% of European electricity production. EGL had secured funding of £9.9m from the European Regional Development Fund, £1.4m from Cornwall Council and £5.5m from institutional investors to drill the geothermal well at the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK.
EGL, which is a partnership between Eden Project, EGS Energy Ltd, and Bastec (UK) Ltd, commissioned the Elemental Energies team to develop a safety and environmental management system (SEMS) aligned with ISO 45001 requirements.
Given the partnership’s commitment to safety and environmental protection, the SEMS was required to promote continuous internal progress towards putting these issues at the centre of the project’s culture.
We created an effective Health, Safety, Environmental and Security Management System (HSES-MS) for the geothermal site at the Eden Project.
Drilling nearly 5km into the earth’s crust through the granite below the Cornwall site, our team identified a suite of likely challenges to be managed by the new HSES MS.
The project began with a mapping exercise to identify key requirements and considerations with potential direct impact to and from the management system. These included:
Once the mapping exercise was completed, our team also developed a bespoke tracker to keep on top of project’s progress. We also actioned a series of review meetings to ensure effective communications throughout. An open line of honest communication was key, not only with EGL but also with other external stakeholders who we communicated with on behalf of the client.
Using our extensive experience in implementing comprehensive safety and environmental systems for wells projects, we provided independent health & safety advice and audits during the deep drilling and well testing programme at the 4.5km deep geothermal site.
Our HSES-MS was instrumental in delivering a safe, sustainable, and legally compliant geothermal project. The new management system was fundamental in reducing the risk to people (including the surrounding community), environment, assets and EGL’s reputation.
