Irish government releases roadmap for geothermal policy and regulatory framework

O’Connell Street, Dublin, Ireland (source: Commons, Wikimedia)

Following the release on An Assessment of geothermal energy for district heating in Ireland”, the government of Ireland has now released a “A Roadmap for a Policy and Regulatory Framework” for geothermal energy in Ireland.

Geothermal is a secure, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective source of renewable energy. To date our geothermal energy sources have been relatively underused, but research shows that significant potential geothermal resources in Ireland.

To support the increased use of geothermal energy for heat in Ireland, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) have published An Assessment of Geothermal Energy for District Heating in Ireland (pdf document) and a non-technical Roadmap for a Policy and Regulatory Framework. The report “Geothermal Energy in Ireland – A Roadmap for a Policy and Regulatory Framework” can be downloaded here.

These documents form an important part of the first stage of developing a policy and regulatory framework. They contain information about geothermal energy, and its potential in Ireland, while mapping out the next stages in this policy development.

During the policy development phase, there will be an opportunity to be involved in developing this framework. If you are part of a local group, work in local government or are a business or an individual with an interest in geothermal energy, you may have ideas that can help shape the future of geothermal energy in Ireland.

Stakeholders will include those who have an interest in renewable energy, environmental sustainability, geoscience, and the circular economy. They may represent a wide range of interests, including those who develop, deliver or utilise energy resources, from individuals to groups to organisations.

Anybody who wants to become involved in this process should make contact by email geothermal@decc.gov.ie or by post.

Source: Government of Ireland