| Title | Geothermal Energy Use, Country Update for Ireland |
|---|---|
| Authors | Pasquali, R; Jones, G L; Burgess, J; Hunter Williams, T |
| Year | 2016 |
| Conference | European Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Ireland, country update, geothermal, shallow, heat pumps, low enthalpy |
| Abstract | Geothermal energy resources in Ireland are of low enthalpy in nature, with the main exploitation focussed on the use of ground source heat pumps. Following an initial surge in the number of mainly domestic ground source heat pumps installed up to 2008, the annual rate of increase in installations has slowed considerably. A slow increase in the number of heat pump units installed of about 3% per annum between 2010 and 2015, accounts for a total of 191 MWt installed capacity (a 14 MWt increase from the WGC 2015 report). The main deployment is attributed to larger scale open and closed loop ground source systems with a reduction in small domestic installations. Since the initial exploration drilling on the southern margin of the Dublin Basin, the deep geothermal energy sector has little progressed. The lack of clear policy with respect to the development of deep geothermal resources in Ireland and the delayed implementation of a legislative framework for licensing deep geothermal resource exploration and development have stalled the sector. The completion of extensive research aimed at better understanding deep geothermal resources in different geological settings in Ireland has highlighted the potential for deep geothermal energy for direct uses to be developed. However a further need for research of key areas including the Dublin Basin and Northern Ireland as well as the need for the completion of a deep demonstration borehole are required. A number of initiatives to stimulate a sustainable future development of the shallow geothermal energy sector in Ireland have been implemented. These include new interactive collector suitability maps for shallow geothermal systems and their potential for deployment in Ireland. The objective of these maps is to increase public awareness amongst users and local authorities about the shallow geothermal energy potential. The completion of guideline documents for end users and professional involved in the installations of the ground source sector have been developed. New comprehensive training initiatives and certification for industry stakeholders involved in design and installation of systems are currently being undertaken. |