News

June News

More good news announced from the GEL team this month as we secured financial backing from ABN AMRO to deliver an expansion to geothermal and lithium production in Cornwall. The need for the UK to secure not only a domestic supply of critical minerals, but also increased energy security, position geothermal for accelerated development. As one of the only renewable sources of baseload power, and with its potential to be combined with low-impact extraction of critical minerals, geothermal is an opportunity that should not be missed.

We’ve got some great news also from the team that happened during May, with Claudia a winning nominee for Cornwall’s 30 under 30, and new faces joining the operations team.

Dr Ryan Law, CEO and Founder

GEL secures financial backing from ABN AMRO to expand geothermal and lithium production in Cornwall

As the UK’s leading developer of geothermal power and lithium extraction, GEL announced in May that it had secured £10 million in financing from ABN AMRO.

This facility will help fund both the expansion of lithium production at the pioneering GEL plant at its United Downs site and allow for development preparations of further sites in Cornwall where the company already has planning permission. The backing of a major bank also enables GEL to start the process of raising significant capital for further expansion in the UK.

Industry Minister Chris McDonald MP said: “We need critical minerals for everything, from the phones we use to the cars we drive, and this £10m boost for GEL is not only vital for ramping up domestic lithium production and creating local jobs, but a big step forward for geothermal power production in the UK. Projects like these are exactly what our Critical Minerals Strategy aims to support, as we look to secure the supplies of minerals we need by leveraging Britain’s mineral wealth, attracting new investment and building more resilient supply chains.”

30 Under 30 win for Community and Engagement Officer, Claudia

GEL’s Community and Engagement Officer, Claudia Malam, was a winning nominee this month for the annual Cornwall Chamber of Commerce ‘30 under 30’ award.

Nominated for her work with education providers and in the community, Claudia’s achievement recognised her special talent for making ideas feel accessible and exciting, especially for young people. In addition, providing opportunities for young people to engage in work experience with real and practical skills.

Claudia said: “We do a lot of work with alternative provision education, and we are well known for leading the way with inclusive education. It is important that all young people feel encouraged to pursue the future they want, and that is where we excel, helping them feel empowered, confident and capable.”

Two new faces join the power plant Operations Team

Two new members joined the Operations Team in May, responsible for the smooth and safe running of GEL’s geothermal power plant.

Karl, originally from Cornwall, spent 23 years in the Royal Airforce Police gaining a range of technical expertise through leading innovative and industry-leading infrastructure building projects.

Ben has an engineering background, spending eight years with the Royal Navy as an Aircraft engineer. He was a lead Avionic Supervisor on the Prince of Wales Aircraft Carrier, delivering a project to commission and implement F35 simulators into the ship, brand new technology that had never been done before.

Both Ben and Karl are great examples of the kinds of diverse skills and experiences the critical minerals and renewable energy sectors need to thrive in Cornwall.