Energy Minister Eamon Ryan T.D., has launched a public consultation process on the options for the development of geothermal energy in Ireland.

*Responses invited by 31 July 2008*

Geothermal energy is energy stored in the form of heat beneath the surface of the solid earth. The usable heat most often takes the form of hot water and steam (up to 370°C). Geothermal energy can be reclaimed in two ways, firstly as electricity, whereby a geothermal power plant uses the steam or heat to drive turbine-generators to produce it, and secondly as heat. Different technologies and applications distinguish each type.
Minister Ryan is inviting interested parties to submit their views on the technical, legal and regulatory issues relevant to the orderly development of a proportionate regulatory regime for geothermal energy utilisation.
Announcing the consultation, Minister Ryan said “Climate change an d the EU commitment to the Kyoto Protocol have made renewable energy and consequently, geothermal energy a high point on the agenda of most European Governments. I believe that if geothermal energy utilisation is to develop to a commercially sustainable level in Ireland, a regulatory and administrative regime needs to be developed.
For this reason, I have convened an informal Working Group who will report to me before the end of the year. I will then consider how to further progress this issue”.
Responses are invited before the close of business on 31st July next and can be posted via an online questionnaire at www.geothermalconsultation.ie. Alternatively comments can be emailed, posted or faxed to:
Geothermal Consultation,
Exploration and Mining Division,
Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources,
Beggar’s Bush,
Haddington Road,
Dublin 4.
E-mail: geot...@dcenr.gov.ie
Tel: (01)6782513
Lo-Call:1890449900Fax: ( 01) 6609627