28/06/2023

New Project To Explore Geothermal Energy In NI

A new multimillion pound project to explore the potential for geothermal energy in Northern Ireland, has been launched by the Department for the Economy (DfE).

The project is designed to "unearth the heat beneath our feet" and aims to support the decarbonisation of the energy sector in pursuit of net zero carbon targets by 2050.

GeoEnergy NI was launched at the Pavilion at Stormont Estate, and will examine both shallow and deep geothermal at the Stormont Estate, Belfast and College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Greenmount Campus, Antrim, respectively.

Mike Brennan, Permanent Secretary of the Department for the Economy, said: "GeoEnergy NI is a milestone project of the Energy Strategy Action Plan, which focuses on delivering a reduction in energy-related emissions as part of the pathway to deliver net zero carbon and affordable energy by 2050. This project will increase our understanding of the potential role that geothermal energy can play in Northern Ireland's green economy and future energy mix.

"GeoEnergy NI has the potential to be a catalyst for growth in the geothermal sector. As a reliable, low carbon, renewable energy resource that occurs naturally within the Earth, geothermal also brings with it a host of environmental, economic, and social benefits. It will play a vital role in helping the sector to develop, increase Northern Ireland's future security of energy supply and ensure we can maximise this valuable renewable energy source for generations to come."

Representing a £3 million investment, GeoEnergy NI is being delivered by DfE with scientific support from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) and a specialist contractor team led by Tetra Tech Europe.

Marie Cowan, Director of GSNI, outlined the potential for geothermal energy in Northern Ireland: "Geothermal is regarded as one of the most environmentally friendly ways of producing local, sustainable, and low-carbon energy and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whatever the weather. Geothermal energy is already used widely and successfully in many countries around the world including the Netherlands, Germany and France, and there are several significant geothermal projects currently being delivered elsewhere in the UK.

"Northern Ireland is very fortunate to have favourable geology with significant untapped potential for geothermal energy right beneath our feet. Building on our extensive data, research, and mapping to date, GeoEnergy NI will provide us with invaluable data to help us realise this potential and deepen our understanding of the subsurface even further.

"An additional benefit of the GeoEnergy NI project is its public and stakeholder outreach campaign. Today guests were among the first to see the new website, VR headset and educational resources. A mobile visitor centre is also planned later this year to further enhance the public's awareness and understanding of geothermal and the economic potential Northern Ireland's geothermal sector holds."

Conor Lydon, Northern Ireland Director of Tetra Tech Europe, a leading global provider of consulting and engineering services said: "Working with DfE and GSNI, we are delighted to lead the consortium for the GeoEnergy NI project to help showcase the power and potential of Northern Ireland's geothermal sector. Geothermal technology has been safely and successfully harnessed throughout the world for decades and we're proud to bring our expertise in this sector to the project. The survey and exploratory work will use world-leading technologies and processes, safe and well-established techniques, and will be in full compliance with all local planning and environmental regulations. We have put together a strong team of experts from across the globe, all experienced in delivering geothermal projects and who have seen first-hand the tremendous benefits geothermal energy can offer."

To find out more about geothermal energy and to keep up to date with the GeoEnergy NI project visit www.GeoEnergyNI.org.


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

02 October 2024
New Campaign Encourages NI Residents To Prioritise Sexual Health
A new public health campaign, 'Looking after your sexual health', has been launched in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland to raise awareness about the importance of practicing good sexual health. The Living Well campaign, offered in over 500 pharmacies, provides valuable information and advice on various public health issues.
26 September 2005
Environmentally friendly energy source probed
A new study has revealed Northern Ireland's future ability for generating heat for buildings, and possibly even electricity, from energy in the ground. The Action Renewables study examines the geothermal resource potential in Northern Ireland.
15 February 2024
Geothermal Energy Roadshow To Visit Towns Across NI
An interactive mobile discovery centre designed to help visitors 'unearth the heat beneath their feet' is set to visit towns across Northern Ireland as part of a geothermal energy information roadshow.
09 August 2024
Alliance Writes To Education Minister Over Strule Campus Funding
Alliance has written to the Education Minister in response to the announcement of significant funding for the Strule shared campus project. Nick Mathison, the party's Education spokesperson and chair of Stormont’s Education Committee, was responding to the news that contractors had been appointed for the £375 million Strule shared campus project.
22 March 2005
Gardiner announces renewable energy programme
Enterprise Minister Barry Gardiner today announced the introduction of the Renewables Obligation for Northern Ireland (NIR) which is expected to stimulate private sector investment of around £500 million in projects to generate electricity from renewable sources over the next five years.