Geothermal part of New Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland
21.12.2021The government of Northern Ireland has released a New Energy Strategy that puts a strong emphasis on geothermal energy. The executive brings forward a path to net zero energy, while putting affordability in front and centre of this strategy. The strategy is being described as fantastic news for geothermal energy.
The government report points out that «To develop opportunities for heat networks we will assess potential solutions to decarbonise existing heat networks. We will take forward heat network trials and demonstrators, using a range of energy sources including geothermal energy and, where feasible, waste heat.»
Geothermal Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland
Under the strategy, the government of Northern Ireland has established a Geothermal Advisory Committee to provide advice and guidance on the availability of geothermal energy to heat our buildings. The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland have published a geothermal heat map alongside the strategy which will allow developers and planners to determine if a location is suitable for geothermal heating and/or cooling.
Based on current understanding of the potential for geothermal across Northern Ireland as outlined in the report (Geothermal Energy Summary for the National Strategy document), a number of recommendations can be made that would further quantify and de-risk the subsurface risk, according to the geothermal documentation.
It recommends:
- Programme of Geothermal Exploration and Research – of which it recommends the creation of a Geothermal Database and viewer, a Research programme for deeper prospects including lab analysis and modelling studies; and physical exploration programme involving exploration drilling and surveying.
- Geothermal Trials and Demonstrators
- Mapping of Geothermal Potential
GSNI identifies geothermal resources based on shallow geothermal resources (incl. heat pumps, aquifer based resources, mine water etc.) and deep geothermal (hot sedimentary aquifers, hot dry rock/ EGS).
Source: ThinkGeoEnergy
More informations
- Strategy document for Northern Ireland
- GSNI – NI Geothermal Energy Summary for GAC 2021 report | annex