Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:121 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures by which he intends to promote the development of geothermal heating and power systems. [16014/03]
Written Answers. - Energy Resources.
Sustainable Energy Ireland administers a renewable energy research, development and demonstration programme (RD&D) with a headline fund of €16.25 million available over five years. The focus of the programme is to stimulate the increased deployment of those renewable energies close to commercial market use and to assess and develop other technologies which have prospects for the future.
The programme specifies geothermal energy as one of the eight primary energy technologies for support. A number of applications in the geothermal category have already been evaluated. One such project will involve a study of the geothermal energy resource in Ireland. The study will examine current projects and will also identify potential new sources of geothermal energy including geological, structural and hydrodynamic analysis of the areas identified. This study will culminate in the production of a geographical information system database, an up-to-date locational map series and a report with recommendations for expanded use of Ireland's geothermal resources. SEI has also committed to funding a research study into a new ground source heat pump system to be designed and developed in Ireland. This research should ensure the availability of a heat pump tailored to Irish conditions.
The key priorities for greater geothermal energy usage in Ireland are improving the economic competitiveness of the technology and reducing the environmental impacts. I am satisfied these studies, supported by Sustainable Energy Ireland, are essential primary requirements leading to a greater appreciation of the potential efficient use of the technology when the studies are concluded and results published.