Geothermal Gemini Project

GEMINI, Geothermal Energy Momentum on the Island of Ireland, is a cross-border geothermal energy demonstration project. Through its many and varied activities, the project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling. 

Geothermal energy means “heat from the Earth” and comes from the natural heat stored beneath the surface. This vast thermal energy in the Earth’s crust is constantly replenished by heat from the mantle below.  

There are four geothermal energy demonstration sites as part of this project – two in Belfast, one in Sligo and one in Dublin that is planned for the Grangegorman site. All four of these sites will hope to use heat energy from the Earth to power large-scale heating systems in a variety of public sector buildings. The development and operation of these sites will demonstrate the benefits of geothermal energy systems by fully engaging with communities, educational institutes and local authorities. 

The GDA is taking part in this project with TU Dublin with the aim of decarbonizing the heat source for the Grangegorman District Heating System.  This district heating (DH) system is powered by gas boilers. The intent of this project is that heat found deep in the earth can be drawn to the surface and used in the existing district heating system so that buildings on the site will be able to use geothermal energy instead of gas in the future.