Northern Ireland moves to unlock underground heat in major green energy push
- Love Ballymena
- 4 minutes ago
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Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is pictured at the GeoEnergy Discovery Centre at this year’s Balmoral Show as she launches a consultation on proposals to introduce a new regulatory framework for geothermal energy in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is preparing to open the door to large-scale geothermal energy development for the first time, as the Stormont Economy Minister unveiled plans for a new regulatory system designed to unlock the “heat beneath our feet”.
The move could pave the way for more homes, businesses and public buildings across Northern Ireland to tap into underground heat as part of the wider drive to cut carbon emissions, reduce reliance on imported fuels and shield consumers from volatile global energy prices.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald announced the launch of a public consultation on Thursday, May 14, describing geothermal energy as a potentially “secure” and locally sourced low-carbon heating option capable of supporting future energy needs while creating skilled green jobs.
The consultation marks the first time any jurisdiction across the UK or Ireland has moved to consult on detailed geothermal regulation.
New rules aimed at growing geothermal sector
The proposals would introduce a dedicated legal and regulatory framework for larger geothermal developments in Northern Ireland.
Stormont said the plans are intended to provide clarity for investors and developers while ensuring environmental protections and community safeguards remain in place.
At the same time, smaller domestic geothermal installations would remain straightforward and accessible for homeowners.
Geothermal energy uses natural heat stored underground to provide heating for buildings and can also support district heating systems serving multiple properties or developments.
Supporters believe the technology could become an increasingly important part of Northern Ireland’s transition away from fossil fuels, particularly as pressure grows to decarbonise heating — one of the most difficult sectors to tackle in climate policy.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is pictured at the GeoEnergy Discovery Centre at this year’s Balmoral Show. She is pictured with Sharon Clements from the Department for the Economy and Paul Wilson from Geological Survey of Northern Ireland.
Launching the consultation at the GeoEnergy Discovery Centre during this year’s Balmoral Show, Dr Archibald said the technology could help protect consumers from future international energy shocks.
She 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.”
The Minister added that further development would be needed before geothermal energy could play a significant role in Northern Ireland’s future heating system.
She said this included building investor confidence and supporting the creation of “local, well-paid, skilled, ‘green’ jobs”.
Consultation open until August
The consultation outlines proposals for new legislation covering larger geothermal developments and how the sector would operate in Northern Ireland.
According to the Department for the Economy, the framework is intended to strike a balance between encouraging investment and ensuring environmental oversight.
Dr Archibald said:
“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 opened on 15 May and will run until 7 August 2026.
The full consultation can be viewed online at:
Focus also turns to fair heat pricing
Alongside the geothermal proposals, the Department for the Economy said it also plans to introduce a more rigorous regulatory process for heat networks.
Officials said the aim would be to ensure customers are charged fairly and transparently for heat supplied through geothermal or other district heating systems.
The proposals come amid growing interest internationally in geothermal technology as governments search for more reliable and lower-carbon alternatives to traditional gas and oil heating systems.
The GeoEnergy Discovery Centre — where the consultation was launched — forms part of the wider GeoEnergy NI project being delivered by the Department for the Economy, with scientific support from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland.
The consultation now gives businesses, energy experts, local communities and the wider public an opportunity to shape how geothermal energy could develop across Northern Ireland in the years ahead.