A science-led approach to the development of geothermal energy in Northern Ireland
The potential of geothermal energy to reach the (NI) Climate Change Bill (No.2) emissions targets through its direct use as a low carbon energy source is acknowledged in the Northern Ireland Executive’s Energy Strategy Pathway to Net Zero. A geothermal energy demonstrator is included in the Department for the Economy’s (DfE) Energy Action Plan.
Setting the scene
In December 2020, GSNI started a national conversation on geothermal energy in a conference co-hosted with the Centre for Sustainable Energy and Climate Action at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) which attracted 308 delegates.
Momentum
Throughout 2021, GSNI and QUB hosted a monthly webinar series featuring guest geothermal experts. Due to popular demand, another year of monthly seminars is underway in 2022. All webinars are available to view in YouTube.
GSNI chairs the Geothermal Advisory Committee (GAC) which meets monthly since it was established in July 2021; one of the GAC’s first tasks was to review a new report by Dr Rob Raine and Derek Reay on the Geothermal energy potential in Northern Ireland: summary and recommendations for the Geothermal Advisory Committee.
Geothermal heating flagship project
A new 6,500m2 building at the Queen’s Management School at Riddel Hall, Stranmillis Road, Belfast is being built which is adopting geothermal technology. The Low Carbon Report, part of the RIBA Stage 3 design process, proved to be critical in its adoption. Economic models and cost calculations were not the primary drivers, but rather the longer-term growth and expansion prospects, coupled with a life cycle analysis of the building informed the decision.
“There was a collective ambition for the best possible outcome for all with Riddel Hall. We normally work to pre-set BREEAM standards however, with Riddel we were looking beyond that… Incorporating the geothermal solution into the building at an early stage was key”.
Damien Toner | Director of Estates | Building Surveyor | Queen’s University Belfast
#NIGeothermalWeek
“From our side, there is long-term stability. That is, our heat costs on that part of the estate remain constant and will not change for the next 100 years”. Jacqueline Kearns | Estates Manager | Quantity Surveyor, Queen’s University Belfast
GSNI and QUB are co-hosting several events during #NIGeothermalWeek from 13-17 June 2022.
The main event is a geothermal conference on 13 June at Queen’s Management School. 120 delegates attending in person will hear from invited keynote speakers. In roundtables they will also discuss and feedback on recommendations for geothermal market sector development.
The public are invited to join an online panel discussion and submit questions on 15 June at 7.30pm.
It is hoped that these activities will further inform and sustain the momentum of interest in geothermal energy in Northern Ireland.
Dr Marie Cowan
Director, GSNI
Dundonald House, Belfast, BT4 3SB
E: marie.cowan@economy-ni.gov.uk
