Data by EIA and PT – Climate Change
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy harnesses the heat beneath the surface of the Earth for heating applications and electricity generation, and has proven to be secure, environmentally sustainable and cost effective over long time periods. Geothermal applications can range in depth from a few metres below the surface to several kilometres. Ireland has widespread shallow geothermal resources for small and medium-scale heating applications, which can be explored online through our Geothermal Suitability maps for both domestic and commercial use. We recommend use of our Geothermal Suitability maps to determine the most suitable type of ground source heat collector for use with heat pump technologies. Ireland also has recognised potential for deep geothermal resources.
The Roadmap for a Policy and Regulatory Framework for Geothermal Energy was launched at the Geoscience 2020 Conference in November 2020. The Assessment of Geothermal Resources for District heating in Ireland and the Roadmap for a Policy and Regulatory framework for Geothermal Energy in Ireland documents have been developed to support the Government’s commitments under the Climate Action Plan 2019 and the Programme for Government.
For further information please see our Geoenergy pages or contact the Groundwater and Geothermal Unit of the Geological Survey Ireland directly.
Geothermal Suitability Maps Data Access
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Geological Survey Ireland has participated in several CO2 storage projects in recent years:
- SEAI Report, 2008: “Assessment of the Potential for Geological Storage of CO2 for the Island of Ireland”
- EPA study, 2010: Following the recommendation of the all-Island study, “An Assessment of the Potential for Geological Storage of CO2 in the Vicinity of Moneypoint, Co. Clare”, Farrelly et al. (2010)
- Irish Sea study, 2014: GSI engaged in a joint project with the British Geological Survey (2012-2014)
- FP7 CGS Europe consortium and co-authored the Key Report on CO2 storage site selection
National Coastal Change Assessment
Geological Survey Ireland is undertaking a National Coastal Change Assessment. As part of this initiative two mapping products will be delivered for the entire Irish coastline: coastal vulnerability mapping and shoreline change.
Coastal vulnerability maps will provide an insight into the relative susceptibility of the Irish coast to adverse impacts of sea-level rise through the use of a Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI). Currently the project is being carried out on the east coast and will be rolled out nationally over the next couple of years, detailed information and maps are available. Shoreline change rates for the period 2000 to 2023 are being prioritised and will be released by county on a rolling basis over the next 12 months. Shoreline change rates database and reports will be accessible from Geological Survey Ireland web mapping viewers. These suite of coastal mapping products are aimed at coastal managers to prioritise or concentrate efforts on adaptation.
Coastal Vulnerability Data Access