Northern Ireland launches public consultation on new geothermal regulatory framework
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A public consultation period has been opened on a new proposed statutory framework for the regulation of geothermal energy in Northern Ireland.
The Department for the Economy (DfE) of Northern Ireland has opened a public consultation period on a proposed statutory framework for regulation of deep geothermal energy. Public comments are being accepted only until 7 August 2026.
Relevant documents and the link to send comments are available via this link.
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 proposed regulations focus on larger, deeper, or more complex geothermal developments where there is a greater need for environmental protection and underground heat management. Small domestic installations, such as horizontal ground loops, would not need a license.
“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,” said Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald during the launch of the public consultation period at the GeoEnergy Discovery Centre.
“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.”
Among the most important measures in the proposed regulations are the following:
- License applications will be reviewed by specialists in DfE and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI). Applications must specify how the heat will be used and detail measures to protect groundwater and the surrounding environment. All licensed projects will be monitored throughout their life.
- Details of license applications will be made public and communities will be given opportunities to comment before decisions are made.
- All geothermal heat below 100 meters depth will be publicly owned while land ownership at the surface will remain unchanged.
Once the consultation is closed, all responses will be considered by the DfE and published on their website. The responses will be used to inform further consideration of the policy proposals. Once the assessments are complete, a further consultation on the final policy will take place allowing further public consideration of the proposals.
The Minister will then bring the proposals to the NI Assembly as new Primary legislation is needed to introduce the new licensing process.
Source: Department for the Economy
