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

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