The GeoEnergy NI app is part of the communications package associated with the Geothermal Feasibility Study, currently being undertaken by DfE Northern Ireland.
DfE is undertaking two feasibility studies; one deep study in Co Antrim and one shallow study on the Stormont Estate.
The data and learning from these feasibility studies will be used to establish that geothermal heat is available at accessible depths, to encourage private investment and to inform the development of a policy and regulatory framework that supports and promotes opportunities to unlock Northern Ireland’s geothermal resource.
Existing geological data suggests that the Sherwood Sandstone sedimentary basins have the potential for heat at accessible depths. DfE wishes to design a pioneer project to establish the best means and most appropriate location for accessing the deep geothermal potential of the aquifers in NI and to ultimately to confirm that the resulting heat is of economic value and can be used to decarbonise a public building, domestic heating or a commercial venture or a commercial venture.
Shallow Geothermal Study
The feasibility study for the shallow geothermal project will be based on the Stormont Estate and will include public engagement activities aimed at improving awareness of geothermal technology, identify suitable buildings based on heat requirement and construction type by engaging with Stormont estates (estate management and premises teams). Alongside geophysical surveys and appropriately sited borewells.
Deep Geothermal Study
The deep geothermal feasibility study will be based in County Antrim within the DAERA site at Greenmount and will include identification of target depths and suitable heat recovery system and available uses for NI Deep geothermal drill site. It will involve the drilling of a deep geothermal exploration well to test the presence of hot sedimentary aquifers at depth. Geothermal resources are predicted to occur suitable depth across parts of NI, and particularly in the Antrim area. This area is predicted to have deeply buried porous and permeable sandstones containing hot fluids which could be utilised for heat networks in horticulture, dairy and building heating.
The Communication Project
An XR approach has been included in the form of a modular package of information, delivered as an immersive ‘Modular App’, distributed on Quest 2 Headsets and iPads. The iPad App outlines the story of ‘ENERGY’ in its various forms, how we use it as a society and how it relates to our current use and reliance upon of fossil fuels, what that does to the earth’s atmosphere and where there is potential to change this through renewable energies, with one of these being geothermal energy.
The interactive modules can be individually selected in any order and play through seamlessly to deliver over 80 minutes of content in total, in an engaging format.
The modules cover the following information relating to the GeoEnergyNI feasibility Study:
Module 1 – Introducing Energy
Module 2 – Energy Everywhere
Module 3 – Renewable Energy
Module 4 – The Heat Beneath Our Feet
Module 5 – Introduction to Geothermal Energy
Module 6 – Types of Geothermal Energy
Module 7 – Advantages of Geothermal Energy
Module 8 – Stormont Opportunity
Module 9 – A Borehole Descent
Module 10 – Greemount Investigation
Module 11 – What Does The Future Hold?