Geothermal Heat In Ireland

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Geothermal Heat In Ireland Action Renewables
Association 17th November 2008
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About Us
We are the first deep geothermal development
company in the Irish and UK markets to explore
and intend to develop, own and operate deep
geothermal plants We focus primarily on the
distribution of heat energy via district heating
networks and the generation of electricity from
low temperature geothermal resources We provide
the full heat energy requirements to large
commercial heat users within a feasible radius of
each geothermal plant The concept for
Geothermal Energy Limited arose from analysis of
investment opportunities as part of the Business
Development Division of Liffey Developments
and It is our strategy to be the market leader
in low temperature hydro geothermal energy
systems in the UK and Ireland
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Geothermal Energy
Geothermal resources can be defined as natural
heat generated below the surface of the earths
crust The temperature at the centre of the
earth is in excess of 5,000C and this heat flows
constantly from the centre to the surface of the
earth This heat is created predominantly by the
decay of natural radioactive elements
and Geothermal energy is an abundant form of
renewable energy that is sustainable for
millennia.
Geo means Earth Thermal means Heat
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Geothermal Energy
Two boreholes are drilled up to four kilometres
into the earth in locations that meet specific
geological conditions Heat is extracted via one
borehole as steam or hot water This heat energy
is used for hot water and space heating by
consumers connected to the district heating
system and The reduced temperature water is
re-injected back into the aquifer via the
injection well.
20MW has the capacity to heat in excess of 10,000
homes!
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Why Consider it?
Unstable fuel prices Tough national and
international targets as set out by the Kyoto
Protocol and the European Renewable Energy
Directive Increased emphasis on security of
national energy supply Increased pressure to
combat global warming The earth is hot and
Geothermal energy systems are proven
technology. They have been in operation around
the world for over a century.
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Benefits of Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is completely carbon
neutral It is highly efficient if properly
distributed. Heat loss amounts to circa 0.3 of a
degree Celsius for every kilometre
travelled Unlike wind and solar energy,
geothermal systems are unaffected by the changing
weather conditions and can operate almost 100 of
the time It is an indigenous energy source thus
reducing the reliance on sometimes potentially
volatile international relations and on inherent
price unpredictability of fossil fuels and
bio-fuels and The production of geothermal
energy would assist governments to achieve their
energy and emissions targets.
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Map of the World
There is potential for geothermal resources in
Ireland!
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Exploration Project
First area of exploration The Blackrock to
Newcastle Fault line, Co. Dublin
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Newcastle Project
Commenced in 2007 and consists of three
stages Phase 1 consisted of geophysical studies
and drilling of two shallow boreholes to depths
of 300m along the fault-line Phase 2 consisted
of drilling two deep geothermal boreholes to a
depth of 1,400m and completed in October
2008 Phase 3 commenced in November and consists
of the geologging of the boreholes to determine
the different parameters of the formations making
up the Dublin basin and Key objective is to
understand the geological structure of the Dublin
basin and to determine the potential of the
geothermal resources.
Preliminary results are highly positive!
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Newcastle project
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Situation in Ireland
Ireland has been a leader to date in a number of
technologies Can be a leader for geothermal
too and Harnessing geothermal energy could
greatly assist in meeting the targets as set out
by the Kyoto Protocol and the European Renewable
Energy Directive.
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Issues
Lack of Knowledge
Include mapping of deep geothermal resources as
part of the energy research strategy for Ireland.
Lack of legislation
Applaud Minister Ryans progressive approach to
date! Hopeful of legislation in place next year!
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Geothermal Energy Limited
Excited about the future Encouraged to drive
forward Looking at opportunities in Dublin,
Northern Ireland and Great Britain Commence
drilling in the near future and Opportunities
in enhanced Geothermal Systems and plan to invest
heavily in Ireland and the UK.
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Ireland can be a leader too!
A clear niche marketIreland can be a leader too!
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Conclusion
Energy Source for the Future! Thank you for
your Attention!