The use of geothermal energy is gaining popularity due to the current world trend in sustainable development. An article by Morris (2021) states that Eden Project is about to drill almost three miles down to find a ‘hot rock’ for electricity generation. The biomes of the attraction, along with some other buildings, are going to be heated by the use of geothermal energy. A drilling rig with a mass of 450 tons and a height of 55 meters is used for boring down to the granite crust at the outer edge of the attraction’s site.
The drilling of the first well will take about five months. After the successful finish, water can be injected deep down to be heated by the hot rocks. There is a plan to raise money and start drilling a second well near to the first one, which will generate heat for other businesses in the area. The funding for the first well comes from a combination of several sources, including the European Regional Development Fund, Cornwall Council, and other commercial funds.
Several concluding statements can be made based on the article. First, the report shows the obvious transition to renewable energy sources rather than oil products. The Eden Project is already functioning for ten years. The company’s shift towards sustainable energy sources shows the global development in sustainability and green technologies. Also, the planning of the geothermal energy plant construction took several years and a lot of effort. Eden Project gives an example for other companies, which also want to develop sustainable energy sources. It showed that transition towards renewable energy sources takes a long time. If other companies are willing to support sustainable development and shift towards renewable energy, they should start planning it immediately.
The article relates to the readings in a way that it also shows that interest in geothermal energy is only increasing. It can be seen through the funding of the project, which involves the European Regional Development Fund. It means that geothermal energy is being discussed and supported at the National level. Also, the article could relate to the current shift of drilling companies towards hot rock geothermal drilling rather than the oil & gas industry.
References
Morris, Steven. (2021). Eden Project to start drilling for ‘hot rocks’ to generate geothermal energy. The Guardian. Web.