QUB publishes “Pivoting the Geoenergy Nexus” report

“Pivoting the Geoenergy Nexus” by Queen’s University Belfast and Housing Executive Northern Ireland

Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with the Housing Executive Northern Ireland (NIHE) have recently published their third report on geothermal sector building, “Pivoting the Geoenergy Nexus.” The full document can be accessed via this link.

The report comes after a workshop held in July 2023 entitled “Building the Geothermal Energy Sector in Northern Ireland Workshop II” organized by  Professor Mark Palmer, QUB, and Mr. Andrew Frew, Technical Innovation Manager NIHE. Opening remarks were from Mr Richard Rodgers, Head of Energy and Deputy Secretary of the Department for the Economy NI. The keynotes were Dr. Matthew Trewella, CEO, of Kensa Group, and Ms Sara Lynch, Head of Sustainability QUB Estates. The body of the workshop consisted of 3-panel discussion sessions and then reflections.

With 120 participants in attendance, the workshop aimed to provide practitioner -led project updates across the geoenergy nexuses. The workshop activities generate a range of  thoughtful conversations and themes, ultimately leading to the conclusion that sector-building will require pivoting the geoenergy nexuses towards multiple ecosystems.

This third report in a series of industry and government geothermal market-making reports challenges us to think beyond our traditional concepts, permeate boundaries, loosen our identity grip, and pivot towards a nexus approach of energy alignment. While we label the renewable energy resource “geothermal,” it encompasses a far more diverse spectrum than other renewable energy ecosystems like wind, biomass, or solar for example. It interfaces with many energy systems – for example; thermal fabric, heat pumps, the built environment, geology, heat networks, thermal storage, and thermal recycling.

This ‘pivoting of the nexuses’ is crucial in ensuring that each ecosystem is progressing and moving in the same direction. It is indeed a challenging task that requires work from many disciplines from policy and finance, to drilling, electrical and plumbing operations, and community engagement.

Geothermal forms a complex web of ‘Geoenergy’ connections that we must learn to pivot between and interlink for sectoral growth. If we remain narrowly focused on any single element, studies show that system connections do not emerge and strengthen.

Source: Email correspondence