Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has evaluated the research undertaken by the Federal German Ministry for research and technology since 1982, on geological research in Bavaria into hot dry rocks, in terms of its relevance for the United Kingdom geothermal energy projects.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe British geothermal hot dry rock research team is fully aware of the German research and assisted with the early experimental work. The Falkenberg project in north-east Bavaria was operated by the Federal Republic of Germany Ministry of Research and Technology between 1978 and 1987. Investigations were made into the hydraulic and heat-transfer properties of fractured granite at depths between 300 and 500 metres. The British team conducted comparable work at Rosemanowes quarry in Cornwall between 1977 and 1980 with similar results to those obtained later in Germany. The British team has of course gone on to more advanced work at greater depth in Cornwall.