Geological Survey Ireland organised an informative and comprehensive conference on geothermal energy on 9th November. Hosted by Technological University Dublin at its Grangegorman campus, the well attended event was addressed by Ossian  Smyth TD, Minister  for Circular Economy, who outlined progress on legislation being prepared  and reiterated government support for the sector. The Conference included sessions on policy development, geothermal energy for district heating, how best to assess geothermal potential and how best to support the sector. Speakers from Northern Ireland,  the EU, UK, France , Canada and the Netherlands shared experiences on the development of geothermal energy in those countries. Contributors from Ireland included the Geoscience Policy Division of DECC, GSI, iCRAG, NUIG, DIAS and UCD. Dublin City Council, TU Dublin, DECC  and SEAI shared ambitions regarding the development  of District Heating in Ireland.

Geoscience Ireland (GI) members are closely involved in the sector, providing drilling, geophysical, geological and environmental  services along with submissions on policy. GI and GSI are  lead participants in  the EU Geo Energy Europe 2 Geothermal project; GI’s Joe Mongan is currently on a Market Study Visit with GEE2 to Cosdta Rica.