15 MW Geothermal Energy Plant Stephen Mc Loughlin Stephen
Devlin Paul O Reilly Mark Flanagan
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Project Introduction Asked by interested investors to look into
viability of investment in renewables - Particulary Geothermal.
Market gap for mid sized geothermal solution. Fluctuation of fossil
energy prices have made for a volatile market Goethermal is a safe
alternative. Geothermal generation offers a dependable and constant
source of revenue costs are virtually unaffected by prevailing fuel
prices. Many geothermal plants have been in operation for years
around the globe Proven Reliability.
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Presentation Brief All aspects of planning and development of a
geothermal plant in Ireland. Planning Permission and Regulation.
Budget and Risk. Timeline and project plan. Suitable locations and
technical aspects.
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What is Goethermal Energy?
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A Natural form of Energy Heat Generated from decay of minerals
Worldwide use Iceland geezers, thermal baths, New Zealand ect. 30
Degree temp rise for each KM drilled Ireland Considered to be
sustainable Takes little heat from overall Not dependant on other
energy sources Low emissions and visual impact
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Planning and Regulation Five areas are of key importance
relating to planning and regulation for this type of project. Pre
Planning negotiations Environmental impact statement Planning
submissions Planning appeals Public consultations and
awareness
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Pre Planning negotiations Local authority consulted from outset
Important first step prior to detailed plan Consulted in all
aspects of project Informed of benefits to local community job
creation, clean energy ect Building relationships are key to this
projects success
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Environmental Impact Statement An EIS is a tool for decision
making Lists the pros and cons of any environmentally related
project aswell as suggesting alternatives EPA annex 1 development
ensures that EIS is mandatory Forms part of the basis of planning
Environmental consultants are tasked with EIS
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Planning submissions Notice placed in local and national papers
Application lodged with local council within 2 weeks 2-5 weeks
required by council to assess development and allow for objection
Further 4 weeks required to allow appeals to be made to Bord
Pleanala If no objections within this timeframe final permission is
granted
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Public awareness / consultation Transparent and open approach
towards the community Public meetings to hear local views and
address concerns Website and phone information service Sponsorship
of local evens Avoid poor communication as seen in Corrib pipeline
project.
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Budget
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Risk Barriers High initial capital costs. Environmental risk
fines and penalties. Planning, permit and legislation any changes
hold up project. Geographical risk Tremors, land subsidence ect Pre
build risks survey errors and research oversight. Cost over runs
over the life of the project.
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Risk Mitigation Government cost sharing and grant schemes.
Large database of research and operation projects. Be informed of
up to date technical information and associated risk. Tax
incentives. Euro geothermal fund scheme. Guaranteed load
structure.
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Timeline
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Project plan
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Finding A Suitable Location High Temperature Gradient Possibly
at a natural fault line (Fracture) Near Transmission or a large
Industry Near Supply of Water for Cooling Good Surrounding
Infrastructure Reasonably priced Land Private Local Community
impacts and planning
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Temperature Gradient & Fault Lines
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Transmission & Available Land and Water
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Technical aspects of project Kinegad location shows a 90 degree
gradient perfect for binary cycle plant. Expected thermal
efficiency of 10 13% System is closed loop No emissions to
atmosphere Takes nothing but heat water goes back down Expected to
generate at 20kV 15 MW output. Plant is high availability, little
downtime once operational ideal base load generator.
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Environmental impact Geo generation is far cleaner then thermal
plants such as coal, oil ect. No negative effect on climate change
Plants of this type are low profile surrounding area not badly
affected. The right balance must be struck regarding heat
extraction Geothermal water can be toxic must not be released Steam
is only byproduct large plumes can be seen from this type of
plant