RSUA has lodged a short, supportive response to a public consultation launched by the Department for the Economy (DfE) on proposals to introduce a statutory framework for regulating geothermal energy in Northern Ireland.
Currently, there is no specific geothermal regulatory framework. The proposals aim to establish clear, proportionate rules for larger developments while keeping small domestic systems easy to access.
A significant opportunity
RSUA sees a major opportunity for Northern Ireland to become a leader in geothermal energy. The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) has identified significant potential for both shallow and deep geothermal resources, particularly in areas underlain by the Sherwood Sandstone aquifer.
Protecting the environment
RSUA welcomes the consultation’s proposal to introduce a regulatory framework for larger, deeper and more complex geothermal projects.
In particular, we welcome the consultation’s commitment that any licensing regime should be “consistent with wider environmental protections and sustainability objectives”, and that licensing decisions will “avoid adverse impacts on habitats, biodiversity and the natural environment”.
RSUA strongly endorses these principles and emphasises that environmental protection must remain at the heart of any future geothermal licensing regime.
Keeping geothermal viable
At the same time, RSUA supports the consultation’s view that the regime should be “proportionate and enabling” and designed to “support the responsible growth of geothermal development”.
It will be important to maintain this proportionality so that the licensing regime safeguards the environment without creating unnecessary barriers to the wider adoption of geothermal as a renewable energy source.
More information
RSUA’s full response can be accessed here.
If you have any questions or comments about our response, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk
