15 MW Geothermal Energy Plant Stephen Mc Loughlin Stephen Devlin Paul O Reilly Mark Flanagan

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.

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.

What is Goethermal Energy?

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Budget

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.

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.

Timeline

Project plan

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

Temperature Gradient & Fault Lines

Transmission & Available Land and Water

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.

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