Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has launched a public consultation on proposals to introduce a new regulatory framework for geothermal energy in Northern Ireland.
The proposals represent an important step forward in growing the geothermal market and unlocking the region’s local geothermal potential.
Geothermal energy is the natural heat stored underground, which can be used to heat buildings and provide a reliable, low carbon energy source and Northern Ireland is the first jurisdiction across the UK and Ireland to consult on detailed geothermal regulation.
Launching the consultation at the GeoEnergy Discovery Centre during this year’s Balmoral Show, highlighting the Centre’s role in supporting public engagement in the consultation, the Minister 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.
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“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.”
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 Minister added: “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 is available at https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/consultations/proposals-geothermal-regulation-consultation and will run from 15 May to 7 August 2026.
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