Economy Minister Dr has launched a public
consultation on proposals to introduce a new regulatory framework
for geothermal energy in Northern Ireland.
The proposals represent an important step forward in growing the
geothermal market and unlocking the region's local geothermal
potential.
Geothermal energy is the natural heat stored underground, which
can be used to heat buildings and provide a reliable, low carbon
energy source and Northern Ireland is the first jurisdiction
across the UK and Ireland to consult on detailed geothermal
regulation.
Launching the consultation at the GeoEnergy Discovery
Centre during this year's Balmoral Show, highlighting the
Centre's role in supporting public engagement in the
consultation, the Minister said: “Decarbonising heat is a
major challenge, and geothermal energy offers a secure, locally
available low‑carbon option for homes, businesses and district
heating, helping protect consumers from global energy price
spikes.
“Further development is needed to ensure that geothermal energy
can play a role in meeting our future heating needs, provide
investor confidence and creating local, well-paid, skilled,
‘green' jobs.”
This consultation sets out proposals to introduce new legislation
that would create clear, proportionate rules for larger
geothermal developments, while keeping small scale domestic
installations easy to access.
The Minister added: “These proposals are intended to support a
growing geothermal sector that delivers clean, affordable heat
while protecting the environment and respecting our urban and
rural communities.
“Your view will help shape how geothermal energy is
regulated here and how this local energy resource is used in
the years ahead.”
The consultation is available at https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/consultations/proposals-geothermal-regulation-consultation
and will run from 15 May to 7 August 2026.
Notes to editors:
- Alongside geothermal regulation, DfE is planning to
bring forward a more rigorous process for heat networks which
will ensure the cost of any geothermal or other heat sold to
customers on those networks will be calculated transparently and
fairly.
- The GeoEnergy Discovery Centre is a key part of the GeoEnergy
NI project being delivered by the Department for the Economy
(DfE), with scientific support from the Geological Survey of
Northern Ireland (GSNI).
