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.

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

Choosing 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

Infrastructure

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.

Regulation and Licensing Commission for energy regulation – Single energy market Health and safety authority Environmental protection agency Lack of regulation Publications forthcoming

Communication What is Communication Planning- Execution Identify Your Stakeholders Understand Your Stakeholders Facilitation Methods Prioritise Your Stakeholders Mapping Stakeholders Assign Time to Your Stakeholders

Identifying your stakeholders

Communication What is Communication Planning- Execution Identify Your Stakeholders Understand Your Stakeholders Facilitation Methods Prioritise Your Stakeholders Mapping Stakeholders Assign Time to Your Stakeholders

Mapping Stakeholders Keep SatisfiedManage closely MonitorKeep informed

Risk – Barriers High initial capital costs. Planning, permit and legislation – any changes hold up project. Pre build risks – survey errors and research oversight. Geographical risk–Tremors, land subsidence, temperature decline Environmental risk – fines and penalties. Failure of Equipment or injection/production Wells Cost over runs over the life of the project. Very little information of deep geology in Ireland Lack of supporting funding schemes Inappropriate regulatory framework

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. Funding From Sustainable Energy Authority (SEAI) Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff (REFIT) Having a Power Purchase Agreement in place - help to raise financial support Risk insurance schemes – state sponsored like in Germany – never claimed Guaranteed loan structure.

Project plan & Timeline

Budget and Finance A project like this is capital intensive – big money first. Early expenses but in the long term fuel costs are down. From a technical standpoint drilling is largest resource 10 million per well Aim to generate into the base load market This type of plant is ideal base load –high availability

Budget figures Assumed Online Availability Factor of 95% Operation and Maintenance Costs 1 cent per kWh Production prices of about 5-7 cent per kWh Base load energy price of 12 cent per kWh 5 cent made on every kWh sold Plant can be developed for 3000 euro per KW generation average

Budget & Finance

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

Benefits of Geothermal Energy Not dependant on climate – Available 24/7 Secure, Reliable and Unlimited Energy Supply Decreases dependency on fossil fuels Price of energy will not change Low Emissions and minimum Visual impact No Air or Water Pollution Only small amount of land required Running costs are very low Helps government to achieve energy and emissions targets