Rosemanowes Quarry, Granite quarry and geothermal research facility in Penryn, Cornwall, England
Rosemanowes Quarry is a granite excavation and geothermal research facility in Penryn, Cornwall, featuring multiple deep boreholes designed for specialized testing and geological study. The site contains substantial granite formations equipped with drilling apparatus intended for scientific research purposes.
The quarry operated actively in the 19th century before transforming into a hot dry rock geothermal research facility starting in 1977. This energy research project continued until 1991, marking a shift from traditional mining to scientific investigation.
The quarry supplied granite for major construction projects across Britain, including the Ponsanooth viaduct near Penryn and the Carnon Valley viaduct.
The facility is designed for scientific research and contains specialized equipment for drilling and measurement operations. Access to the site is typically restricted to organized research visits or guided tours, as it remains an active research location.
The granite beneath this site has England's highest heat flow rate, making it exceptionally suitable for geothermal studies. This exceptional characteristic made the location particularly valuable for researchers investigating renewable energy potential.
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