Abstract
Understanding how the subsurface of Planet Earth works has been a long passionate interest and pursuit of the geologist community. Harnessing this interest and building upon the well-established geoscience knowledge base can unlock opportunities to make available geothermal heating and cooling resources that remain dormant in Northern Ireland (NI).
Geothermal energy integration provides a low-carbon alternative to current fossil fuel-dominated energy sources. Building this sector will help contribute towards commitments to the net zero target and transition Northern Ireland towards a just energy future. This report focuses on the confidence-building actions needed to build the geothermal sector in NI. The report has consulted widely and therefore reflects the experiences of those leading out on, or working with, geothermal projects.
Despite over forty years of geological evidence gathering; including well operations, sub surface data analysis and detailed geoscience report generation confirming favourable geological conditions for geothermal activity in Northern Ireland, along with over two decades of political discussion, the findings of this report show an absence of awareness and indeed visibility – showcasing – of the geothermal project activity on the ground.
For both the journey to net zero by 2050 and growth of the geothermal market sector in NI to be a success, the challenge is as much a market behavioural breakthrough activity as it is a technological breakthrough activity. In markets further afield, geothermal technologies are a proven part of the LZC energy portfolio and solution mix. Therefore, the policy challenge is one of building confidence, shifting attitudes and establishing the link between its potential and the actual working of geothermal projects on the ground. It requires a portfolio-driven policy approach of the energy market.
The geothermal sector in NI is presently in an early development niche phase. This report, therefore, invites the geothermal shaper community to build a niche strategy, while putting in place the market scaffolding and also showcasing geothermal buildability. Creating the geothermal transition must be accessible, fair and without adverse effects on peoples’ jobs and quality of life. This report puts forward several considerations for building the market scaffolding and outlines a holistic perspective for showcasing flagship geothermal projects.
Geothermal energy integration provides a low-carbon alternative to current fossil fuel-dominated energy sources. Building this sector will help contribute towards commitments to the net zero target and transition Northern Ireland towards a just energy future. This report focuses on the confidence-building actions needed to build the geothermal sector in NI. The report has consulted widely and therefore reflects the experiences of those leading out on, or working with, geothermal projects.
Despite over forty years of geological evidence gathering; including well operations, sub surface data analysis and detailed geoscience report generation confirming favourable geological conditions for geothermal activity in Northern Ireland, along with over two decades of political discussion, the findings of this report show an absence of awareness and indeed visibility – showcasing – of the geothermal project activity on the ground.
For both the journey to net zero by 2050 and growth of the geothermal market sector in NI to be a success, the challenge is as much a market behavioural breakthrough activity as it is a technological breakthrough activity. In markets further afield, geothermal technologies are a proven part of the LZC energy portfolio and solution mix. Therefore, the policy challenge is one of building confidence, shifting attitudes and establishing the link between its potential and the actual working of geothermal projects on the ground. It requires a portfolio-driven policy approach of the energy market.
The geothermal sector in NI is presently in an early development niche phase. This report, therefore, invites the geothermal shaper community to build a niche strategy, while putting in place the market scaffolding and also showcasing geothermal buildability. Creating the geothermal transition must be accessible, fair and without adverse effects on peoples’ jobs and quality of life. This report puts forward several considerations for building the market scaffolding and outlines a holistic perspective for showcasing flagship geothermal projects.
Original language | English |
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Publisher | Queen's University Belfast |
Commissioning body | Northern Ireland Department for the Economy |
Number of pages | 27 |
Publication status | Published - 2022 |
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Institutional market-making: a study of the geothermal energy transition
Ireland, J. F. (Author), Ofterdinger, U. (Supervisor) & Palmer, M. (Supervisor), Dec 2024Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy