Geothermal energy work group to be formed

Eamon Ryan launched a public consultation on the issue yesterday (June 3rd), with a view to listening to the views of interested parties, who will be able to submit their technical, legal and regulatory opinions.

The group will discuss the issues pertaining to the development of a “proportionate regulatory regime for geothermal energy insulation”, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources claims.

Mr Ryan stated that climate change and the European Union’s commitment to the Kyoto Protocol necessitate consideration of such renewable resources.

“I believe that if geothermal energy utilisation is to develop to a commercially sustainable level in Ireland, a regulatory and administrative regime needs to be developed,” he said.

Reports are to be heard by the minister until the end of the year.

In related news, the first energy to be produced by a tidal turbine was connected to the UK’s national grid last week after Irish firm OpenHydro successfully conducted a test at the European Marine Energy Centre.