Archibald launches consultation on new regulatory framework for ‘heat beneath our feet’
Date published:
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.
“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 in here and how this local energy resource is used in the years ahead.”
The consultation is available at Proposals for Geothermal Regulation Consultationand will run from 15 May to 7 August 2026.
Notes to editors:
- Alongside geothermal regulation DfE is planning to bring forward a more rigorous process for heat networks which will ensure the cost of any geothermal or other heat sold to customers on those networks will be calculated transparently and fairly.
- The GeoEnergy Discovery Centre is a key part of the GeoEnergy NI project being delivered by the Department for the Economy (DfE), with scientific support from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI).
- For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
- To keep up to date with news from the Department you can follow us on the following social media channels:
- X – @Economy_NI
- Facebook – @DeptEconomyNI
- Instagram – economy_ni
- LinkedIn – Department for the Economy NI