GeoEnergy NI is being facilitated by DfE with scientific support from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) and a specialist contractor team led by Tetra Tech Europe. More information is available on the GeoEnergy NI project website.
Launch event of the GeoEnergy NI project in Stormont Estate with Conor Lydon, Northern Ireland director of Tetra Tech Europe, Marie Cowan, director, Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, and Mike Brennan, permanent secretary, DfE (source: DfE)
The feasibility study for the shallow geothermal project will be based on the Stormont Estate, Belfast and aims to identify the most suitable geothermal solution to provide future heating and cooling for several pre-identified buildings on the Estate, understand the carbon savings that could be generated, and optimize the capital and operational expenditure for any future geothermal heating system.
Activities at the CAFRE, Antrim will involve the completion of several specialist surveys that will build a more complete picture of the subsurface in the area. This study will also include the identification of a potential future drill site and optimum target depths for deep geothermal solutions as well as a suitable heat recovery system for the area.
Favorable geology and untapped potential
The geothermal potential of Northern Ireland has been well-documented by several research efforts in the past years. A few months ago, the DfE together with Arup and the British Geological Survey (BGS) published the “Research into the geothermal energy sector in Northern Ireland” report which provides a comprehensive review of existing geothermal technologies and makes some recommendations on how to help identify and assess the feasibility of geothermal projects in Northern Ireland.
“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,” stated Mike Brennan, Permanent Secretary of the DfE. “GeoEnergy NI has the potential to be a catalyst for growth in the geothermal sector.”
“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,” added Marie Cowan, Director of GSNI.
“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,” Cowan further added, emphasizing the community engagement efforts of the project.
“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,” assured Conor Lydon, Northern Ireland Director of Tetra Tech Europe, a leading global provider of consulting and engineering services
