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Visit and become a “Geothermal Rockstar”

The GeoEnergy NI project is a unique opportunity for Northern Ireland to showcase a low carbon, renewable energy source that is sustainable and readily available, all year round.

The Department for the Economy (DfE) has committed a £3 million investment in this geothermal demonstrator project, recognising the importance of having a secure, affordable and low carbon energy source for us now and for future generations.

Two sites will be evaluated to highlight the potential for geothermal energy use in Northern Ireland – the Stormont Estate in Belfast and the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus near Antrim.

The GeoEnergy NI project is being delivered as part of the Department for the Economy’s Energy Strategy, and will  support Northern Ireland’s commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

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.

THE DEMONSTRATOR PROJECTS

Animation graphic to show one benefit of utilising geothermal technology which is cost savings to homes.
Project benefits

This project will help to unlock a local, sustainable energy source that is available all year round. Use of this low carbon, alternative to fossil fuels will allow us to heat our homes and businesses whilst contributing to a better environment.
A map from the GeoEnergy NI animation showing both drilling locations, Greenmount and Stormont, pinpointed on the map.
Locations

This project will focus on two locations: Stormont Estate in Belfast and the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus near Antrim.
Drilling rig mounted on a lorry so it can be driven to other locations.
Project technologies

Industry specialists will use a variety of specialist tools and well-established technological processes to deliver this project.
Photo from a recent GeoEnergy NI event. The DfE and GeoEnergy NI logos are in focus with some background pop up stands also visible.
Downloads and resources

Additional GeoEnergy NI project materials are available including information booklets and more.
Animation graphic which shows Stormont and the the different depths underneath the building including the aquifers and heat beneath our feet.
The challenge and opportunity

GeoEnergy NI will explore the potential for a renewable, sustainable supply of geothermal energy in Northern Ireland in pursuit of net zero targets for energy, in line with the Department for the Economy's Energy Strategy Action Plan.
Cover image of the Department for the Economy's Energy Strategy.
Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland: The Path to Net Zero

The GeoEnergy NI project is being delivered as part of the The Department for the Economy’s Energy Strategy: The Path to Net Zero, and will support Northern Ireland’s commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Two females sitting at Stormont Parliament Buildings with their back to camera, wearing branded GeoEnergy NI high visibility jackets and hard hats.
Who are we?

The Department for the Economy (DfE), with scientific support from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI), is leading on this project which is being delivered by specialist contractors.
Animation graphic to show one benefit of utilising geothermal technology which is cost savings to homes.
Project benefits

This project will help to unlock a local, sustainable energy source that is available all year round. Use of this low carbon, alternative to fossil fuels will allow us to heat our homes and businesses whilst contributing to a better environment.
A map from the GeoEnergy NI animation showing both drilling locations, Greenmount and Stormont, pinpointed on the map.
Locations

This project will focus on two locations: Stormont Estate in Belfast and the CAFRE Greenmount Campus near Antrim.
Drilling rig mounted on a lorry so it can be driven to other locations.
Project technologies

Industry specialists will use a variety of specialist tools and well-established technological processes to deliver this project.
Photo from a recent GeoEnergy NI event. The DfE and GeoEnergy NI logos are in focus with some background pop up stands also visible.
Downloads and resources

Additional GeoEnergy NI project materials are available including flyers, information booklets and more.
Animation graphic which shows Stormont and the the different depths underneath the building including the aquifers and heat beneath our feet.
The challenge and opportunity

GeoEnergy NI will explore the potential for a renewable, sustainable supply of geothermal energy in Northern Ireland in pursuit of net-zero targets for energy, in line with the Department for the Economy's Energy Strategy Action Plan.

Cover image of the Department for the Economy's Energy Strategy.
Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland: The Path to Net Zero

The GeoEnergy NI project is being delivered as part of the the Department for the Economy’s Energy Strategy: The Path to Net Zero, and will support Northern Ireland’s commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Two females sitting at Stormont Parliament Buildings with their back to camera, wearing branded GeoEnergy NI high visibility jackets and hard hats.
Who are we?

The Department for the Economy (DfE), with scientific support from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI), is leading on this project which is being delivered by specialist contractors.

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Ryan White, DfE, enjoying the VR headsets at the launch of the GeoEnergy Discovery Centre at Stormont Estate.

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