Induced seismic events are the same as natural ones except that the trigger for the movement is human activity rather than a build-up of pressure underground. In the case of geothermal projects, this can be caused by water pressure helping to unstick the rock along natural faults or small fractures.
The testing and development of geothermal reservoirs in Cornwall is likely to cause some minor seismicity. Most of these induced events are so small that they’re not felt at the surface, but sometimes a slight rumbling sound or momentary ‘shiver’ can be detected in the local area. This is not dangerous, and no damage can be caused to local infrastructure at these low levels. Once the power plant is online and the geothermal system is in operation, it is extremely unlikely that any seismicity will be felt.
Below you will see a video produced by GEL, explaining more about seismicity and geothermal projects.