Minister Ryan publishes Draft Policy Statement on Geothermal Energy

• Draft Policy Statement outlines potential of geothermal energy – for heating and cooling buildings and for generating electricity

The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, has today (Tuesday) published a Draft Policy Statement on Geothermal Energy for a Circular Economy. The Draft Statement delivers on the Roadmap for Geothermal Energy published in November 2020.

Geothermal energy is not only renewable, it is also secure, reliable and

local. It can be used for heating and cooling buildings and for generating electricity. Advances in technology, proven over the past decade, mean that geothermal energy can now play a significant role in our transition to a carbon neutral and circular economy.

The publication of this Draft Policy Statement supports the first Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy launched earlier this month and will raise awareness of the exciting potential of this renewable energy. It is an important step in addressing the barriers to the development of geothermal energy in Ireland.

A public consultation on the draft Policy Statement will formally gather the views of the public and key stakeholders, such as environmental groups, geoscientists and engineers, and potential operators of geothermal energy projects.

The final Policy Statement will outline the regulatory framework. It will also highlight the requirement for meaningful engagement with the public and for further work in the collection of data on Ireland’s geothermal resources. Further research will also be needed for a better understanding of the economics of geothermal energy projects. Together, these elements will help ensure we realise Ireland’s geothermal energy potential.

Minister Ryan said:

"Engagement with the public, community groups, industry and academia is critically important to developing our geothermal potential. I would encourage all interested parties to engage in this public consultation. It is an important step in addressing the barriers to the development of geothermal energy in Ireland".

The Draft Policy Statement is available to view/download at this link: www.gov.ie/consultations/geothermal.

Observations on the Draft Policy Statement can be submitted by email to: GSPD@decc.gov.ie until 1 March 2022. All submissions will be considered in finalising the Policy Statement.

Information sessions and other consultative events will be organised for February 2022. Details will be available on: www.gov.ie/consultations/geothermal.