Such was the size of one of the shudders felt in some Cornish villages that an investigation was launched into the work of a geothermal energy plant.

The United Down Geothermal energy plant drills into the ground to extract heat for local homes and businesses. Due to this, it has caused minor quakes on the seismographs in the region.  Although over 40 earthquakes have been reported in the area, many are regarded as minor with the largest registering a magnitude of 1.7 on December 8.

This was the earthquake caused by the geothermal power station and caused shockwaves to be felt in the Frogpool, Lanner, Carharrack, Penhalvean and St Day. The latest earthquake was registered on December 18 with five different seismic incidents recorded between 11.20am and 1.05pm.

Concerns have also been levelled at the earthquakes caused by fracking operations. Due to the tremors caused by the drilling, anti-fracking campaigns have sparked across the country to stop the drilling.

Earlier this month, the UK’s only franking firm Cuadrilla relinquished its permission to test drill in Lancashire. Barbara Richardson, of campaign group Frack Free Lancashire, said: “We think this is very significant and also very welcome. “We just want to know when they will restore the site back to its original state. “We really think they are finished here.”