UNEARTHING THE HEAT BENEATH OUR FEET
The Earth contains vast amounts of natural energy in the form of heat. Known as geothermal, this energy mostly travels up from the very hot (similar to that of the sun’s surface), deep parts of the Earth’s core to the cooler surface. Some heat is also generated in the rocks of the Earth’s crust, and nearer the surface, it also stores warmth from the sun. Whether accessed at shallow depth or several kilometres below, geothermal energy in its various forms is being harnessed by many countries across the world as a valuable renewable energy source.
In Northern Ireland, we are lucky to have favourable geology, with huge untapped potential for useful geothermal energy right beneath our feet.
In line with the Northern Ireland Executive’s net zero targets for the energy sector, the GeoEnergy NI project is undertaking geothermal exploratory and feasibility studies at two different locations. Check out the video below to find out more.