News and Events - GEMINI geothermal project | GEMINI

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A new generation of green careers

September 2026

Two people in hi vis and hardhats in conversation

The Belfast Telegraph has reported how Northern Ireland's transition towards a lower-carbon economy is creating new opportunities for the next generation of workers, with "demand expected to grow across sectors including engineering, energy, construction and technology".

"With the Department for the Economy forecasting an additional 58,000 roles in the green economy over the coming decade, prospects could be significant for those prepared to develop the skills needed for this changing job market. Key among these burgeoning sectors is geothermal energy...

"Joe Mongan, Geothermal Energy Researcher at Atlantic Technological University, a partner in the GEMINI project says: 'Geothermal energy systems at a domestic, commercial, industrial and even district heat network scale, have massive potential right across the island of Ireland ... If young people take their next steps with that in mind and are open to diversifying their skills within established trades and professions, they will be off to a fantastic start.' ”

Extract from Belfast Telegraph NI Jobfinder, published 18 September 2026.

Ireland to take centre stage in geothermal conversation as major European conference comes to Dublin

August 2026

Geothermal District Heating & Cooling Days 2026 will run from September 3 to 4
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD will open the conference

Dublin is set to become the focal point for discussions on the future of geothermal energy thanks to a major European conference coming to the city next month.

European Geothermal District Heating and Cooling Days 2026, organised by the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) and the Geothermal Association of Ireland (GAI), will bring experts from across Europe together to share insights.

Darragh O’Brien TD, Minster for Climate, Energy and the Environment and Minister for Transport, will open the two-day event on Thursday, 3 September.

Seán Kelly MEP, a key driver of significant policy initiatives across climate change, energy, investment and trade in Europe, will also be in attendance.

GEMINI is a Gold Sponsor of the event.

Dr Aoife Braiden, Director at GEMINI partner RML, will present at the conference. She said: "Geothermal District Heating & Cooling Days provide an important opportunity to bring together expertise from across Europe to share knowledge, showcase innovation and explore practical pathways to decarbonising heating and cooling.

“Through GEMINI, we are helping to build understanding of geothermal energy across the island of Ireland, and we look forward to contributing to the discussion while learning from others in the sector."

Day 1 will welcome expert speakers from across Europe as they explore the role geothermal energy can play in the energy transition with a focus on providing sustainable direct heating and cooling solutions.

A dedicated workshop on day 2 will explore geothermal energy as a service, examining how this approach can accelerate renewable heating and cooling markets, investment and real opportunities across Europe.

Geothermal District Heating and Cooling Days 2026 runs from 3 to 4 September 2026. Find out more and register here: https://www.egec.org/events/geothermal-district-heating-and-cooling-days-2026/

GEMINI welcomes Northern Ireland’s geothermal public consultation

May 2026

Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald announced on 15th May that the Department for the Economy (DfE) of Northern Ireland has opened a public consultation period on a proposed statutory framework for regulation of deep geothermal energy.

The consultation covers geothermal licensing, subsurface protections and the management of geothermal heat. New legislation is intended to create clear, proportionate rules for larger, complex geothermal developments, while keeping small-scale domestic installations − such as horizontal ground loops − easy to set up.

Michelle O’Dea from Codema, GEMINI’s lead partner, gave this statement:

“Great news from the DfE to see progress being made in making geothermal energy accessible to the public. Public consultations are so important when any new legislation is being proposed, particularly when discussing how to make emerging renewable energy technology more available. Using geothermal energy for heating and cooling can help decarbonise our energy grid, lower energy costs and provide energy security for the people across the island of Ireland − especially important in times like these when so many are struggling to keep their homes heated.

“Through GEMINI, we are working to demystify geothermal energy and demonstrate its benefits to all. Geothermal energy has incredible potential as a low cost and almost carbon neutral energy source for heating and cooling at all scales.

“We are excited about this public consultation to get the conversation started, and look forward to hearing what the public think about the opportunities available. We would very much welcome a similar consultation in the Republic of Ireland.”

Public comments submitted by 7th August 2026.

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Geothermal must be in the mix

May 2026

"When it comes to our dependence on imported fossil fuels, we are not dissimilar to European neighbours. The difference is, our neighbours have invested time and resources in investigating all available options and are not over-relying on a creaking electricity grid to provide the solutions. ... Geothermal energy at scale offers the chance to reduce demand on the grid by providing both public and private buildings with direct, clean and locally-sourced heat."

Dr Aoife Braiden’s call to action in the Irish Examiner describes how geothermal energy could bolster Ireland’s energy security at a time of enormous geopolitical uncertainty.

Read the article in full here.

Decarbonising public buildings with geothermal energy

April 2026

Blue skies and birdsong set the scene as GEMINI partners toured Sligo Regional Sports Centre. This GEMINI demonstration site will show how a sports centre can be decarbonised using shallow geothermal energy.

A vertical closed-loop collector system, drilled 200 metres beneath the car park, will provide heating for the building and swimming pool, offering an effective replacement for fossil fuels. The system is projected to save an estimated 188 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

The visit formed part of GEMINI’s biannual in-person partners meeting, hosted this time at Sligo County Hall. The meeting brought together 16 organisations from government, academia, industry and community engagement across the island of Ireland.

IMAGES

GEMINI partners gather at Sligo Regional Sports Centre to learn about plans for the geothermal energy installation. There were some deep discussions!

Prof. Mark Palmer and Dr Nicola Barron from Queen's University Belfast presented a poster about their research to other partners

GEMINI partners gathered in the council chamber of Sligo County Hall for a group photo

Antrim focus area workshop

April 2026

This month, partners from across the GEMINI geothermal project met in GSNI, Belfast to continue work focused on understanding geothermal potential in the region.

The session focused on ongoing work on subsurface data obtained last year from the County Antrim area, a key focus region within the GEMINI project. Analysis and computer modelling of the subsurface are helping to improve understanding of local geothermal resources and inform future development opportunities.

Work is progressing on the data gathered from the field surveys, with collaboration between GEMINI partners DIAS, UCD, GSI and GSNI aimed at building a 3D picture of the subsurface, to build the evidence base for geothermal energy potential.

Discover more about this focus area here.

Presenting GEMINI at IAH annual conference

April 2026

Michael Mackenzie (pictured), from GSNI, gave a striking talk at the Annual Conference of the International Association of Hydrogeologists, beginning with an outline of the stark challenges involved in meeting greenhouse gas emissions targets. He presented data that show 38% of energy emissions in Northern Ireland come from heating, of which 95% is powered by oil or natural gas (NI Census 2021). At the same time, escalating fuel prices are now driving rising fuel poverty rates.

Showing how far behind its European counterparts the island of Ireland is in its use of geothermal energy, Michael described how GEMINI is addressing various key issues - including subsurface data uncertainty, installation costs, skills availability and supply chain pinch points - which are hindering development of the industry here. Geothermal sector activity is now growing, with ongoing research, demonstrator projects, and policy developments all currently taking place. The good news is that improved technology now means geothermal energy is accessible in some form practically anywhere on the island.

Find out about GEMINI's aims here.

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Deep heat on our doorstep

February 2026

"I used to believe this source of energy was at best niche in the Irish context; that reality trumped the optimism of geologists. The mistaken view took hold that those in the sector, who raved about the technology, were pioneers at the frontier who happened to find a rare pocket of geothermal energy due to a geological quirk in the subterranean landscape. How wrong could you be?"

Environmental consultant and former editor Kevin O'Sullivan now supports geothermal energy for the island of Ireland. His feature in The Irish Times describes how geothermal energy has a key role to play in our renewable energies mix, and mentions GEMINI's work in showcasing what is possible.

Read the article here.

WATCH

What needs to change in order to build a new Irish city?

November 2025

"It could be possible that these [geothermal] systems ... provide secure, 24/7 always-on energy to support and complement our other great sources of renewable energy like wind and solar. So we really see geothermal energy playing a part in the mix."

Dr Sarah Blake, of GEMINI partner Geological Survey Ireland, describes the role geothermal energy can play in our future in a new series broadcast on RTÉ. Futureville Ireland investigates ways in which to plan for urban self-sufficiency in energy and food production.

Watch Futureville Ireland on RTÉ player here.

"Every country across the world is now looking at geothermal ... and looking for international expertise to grow their market ... We really need to start thinking about what we can do to drive the market here." Sanjeev Kumar

5th November 2025

Kevin O'Sullivan and Sanjeev Kumar seated at right-angles to each other and engaged in conversation. They are Indoors, with a pull up banner showing a partial map of the island of Ireland and the words GEMINI: Demonstration to Transformation and a screen showing the title of the evening's talk behind.

Opportunities in Geothermal Energy: What to expect for the island of Ireland

Engineers, geoscience and energy professionals were treated to a lively discussion on the geothermal energy sector's contribution to European and global decarbonisation, at Engineers Ireland, Dublin on 5th November, an event co-organised and sponsored by the GEMINI project and the Geothermal Association of Ireland.

Sanjeev Kumar, Director of Policy at the European Geothermal Energy Council, and a keen supporter for the development of geothermal energy on the island, gave a short presentation in which he highlighted just a few of the European locations (pictured below) where geothermal energy is used for heating. He and Kevin O'Sullivan, Environment and Science Editor with the Irish Times, then discussed a range of geothermal topics including district heating and cooling, EU policy and raising the profile of geothermal energy to support its progress. There was also a question and answer session with the audience.

In addition, the event featured the latest information from the Geothermal Association of Ireland outlined by its chair, Rory Dunphy, and a presentation on the demonstration projects, activities and planned outputs of the GEMINI project, delivered by Dr Aoife Braiden, RML.

Conversation between Kevin O'Sullivan and Sanjeev Kumar with an audience listening avidly

Sanjeev Kumar is talking animatedly in front of a large screen featuring buildings in Europe: residential buildings in Enfield, UK; Belle Valle, Jodigne (Belgium); Palais d'Elysee, Paris (France); Euronet data centre, Bergamo (Italy).

Kevin O'Sullivan stand side by side in front of a GEMINI banner

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Irish geothermal district heating systems

November 2025

"Though our electrical system is steadily decarbonising, our heating sector has been left behind. The use of geothermal systems to feed district heating networks is a huge opportunity to decarbonise using a fully local, clean, heat source."

Mark Geraghty, of GEMINI partner TU Dublin, has written about the history of geothermal energy and how using heat from the Earth to warm and cool buildings could deliver low carbon heat and help to relieve pressure on our electrical grid.

Read Mark's piece on the RTÉ website here.

GEMINI at the European Geothermal Congress, Zurich

October 2025

GEMINI gets its first outing on an international stage at the European Geothermal Congress in Zurich. We're keen to get the word out about our plans for geothermal energy momentum in this part of the world. And, of course, it's the perfect opportunity to hear from and meet so many knowledgeable people in person!

There will be presentations from GEMINI partner RML:

Dr Aoife Braiden will give a talk: "GEMINI: An example of cross-border geothermal energy education and training on the island of Ireland" (Thursday at 11:00; Session 6D Non Technical: Policy strategies)

Nicola Noller will present a poster: "Developing communications and engagement strategies for complex, cross-border geothermal energy projects" (Wednesday at 13:45)

Other GEMINI partners - including Geological Survey Ireland, Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI), Queen's University Belfast and University College Dublin - will also be attending.

Gravity surveys in County Antrim complete

September 2025

Staff from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) have finished their gravity survey across about 375 square kilometres of County Antrim. Four months since the scientists began their survey, often under the gaze of inquisitive cows, sheep and other farm animals, they’ve measured over 600 points come wind, rain and sunshine.

Huge thanks to the many understanding farmers and landowners who gave their permission to access their land. We couldn’t have done such a good job without your support!

Work now begins on processing the gathered gravity data. This will then be combined with data from other geophysical surveys to build a 3D picture of the subsurface, and bring us a step closer to evaluating the area’s potential for using geothermal energy as a heating resource.

IMAGES

Anna and Rebecca carried out a gravity measurement on an allotment site, where they were warmly offered courgettes and seeds to take home.

Curious cows investigate the gravimeter set-up.

Paul taking a gravity measurement at the 4th pin on a golf course

The acquisition map showing the gravity survey area, surveyed sites and repeated sites.

Magnetotelluric surveys in County Antrim

June 2025

Three people energetically digging into the turf in a field

Scientists from the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) and a field crew from 3D Consulting-geo GmbH are carrying out magnetotelluric surveys in fields (with permission) around Ballymena, Randalstown, Antrim and Ballyclare. The surveys are expected to run until 18th August.

An MT survey involves the laying out four 50-metre-long, plastic-coated wires on the ground and burying four small sensors (electrodes) in shallow holes. The equipment is left in place for about 48 hours (two nights) where it passively collects data. Duygu's blog describes how researchers collect and use data from this type of survey to image the subsurface.

MT stations will be deployed at 120 locations in County Antrim. Several sites will be deployed at the same time.

Gravity surveys in County Antrim

May 2025

A male researcher holds a vertical pole above a disc on the ground and reads from the gravimeter instrument attached to the top

Members of the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) are carrying out a survey to take measurements of gravity in and around Ballymena, Randalstown, Antrim and Ballyclare. The survey begins on 19th May 2025 and is expected to finish in September 2025. You may see a team of two or three researchers taking measurements (see photo). They will be surveying along road verges, tracks and footpaths, and occasionally in fields (with permission).

Find out more about gravity surveys in Michael MacKenzie's blog.

If you see our colleagues in the area over the next few months, feel free to ask questions about their work and the GEMINI project.

Geophysical surveying, County Antrim

March 2025

Green, empty fields divided by hedgerows and trees in a winter landscape

Scientists from the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) and Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) have begun a geophysical survey within County Antrim, Northern Ireland for the GEMINI project. They are currently installing around 30 seismometers (which detect distant earthquakes) throughout the areas of Ballymena, Randalstown, Antrim and Ballyclare. If you meet our colleagues as they are installing the seismic equipment (with landowners’ permission), please feel free to ask them questions about the project.

Update 25 April 2025: Just two more seismic stations to be installed! Read Duygu and Giuseppe's blog to find out what this survey can tell us about the subsurface.

The GEMINI project is formally launched!

The GEMINI team and SEUPB have launched the GEMINI project, hosted by TU Dublin at the Grangegorman campus.

The Special EU Programme Body and representatives from the Government of Ireland and Northern Ireland Executive officially launched the GEMINI project on 7th November 2024.

Pic: Oonagh Buckley, Secretary General of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Ireland, Ryan White, Director Heat, Buildings, Climate Change, Department for the Economy NI and Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive Officer of the Special EU Programmes Body.
(Photo: Harrison Photography & Media)

Welcoming the launch of the GEMINI project, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, T.D., said:

I am pleased to announce my Department’s commitment to supporting the GEMINI geothermal energy project. This project will help bring us closer to our 2030 and 2050 emission targets by supporting the Geothermal Energy and District Heating policies led by my Department to decarbonize the heating and cooling sector, which is a critical element of the Irish Government’s Climate Action Plan.

Importantly the GEMINI project will do more than just deliver infrastructure in the short term. It will also build essential capacity in our planning, education, research and energy design systems, along with best practice for community engagement. This will deliver long term solutions and sustainable impact beyond the four-year project. Along with my colleagues in Northern Ireland, I look forward to seeing the outputs of this ambitious and timely collaborative project.”

Economy Minister Conor Murphy said:

Decarbonisation is a cornerstone of my economic plan. As an alternative to fossil fuels, geothermal energy has a pivotal role to play in decarbonising heat. The Gemini project will demonstrate and promote the benefits of geothermal across the island.

Important partnership work has made this project possible, and I commend the partners involved for their ongoing collaboration with the public sector in the north. The public sector is our largest energy consumer, and I welcome GEMINI’s commitment to reduce its carbon emissions by unlocking our island’s deep geothermal potential and supporting our move away from imported fossil fuels”.

The GEMINI project will support the development of the geothermal sector and accelerate the uptake of geothermal energy through four real-world pilot installations, 3 shallow (<500m) in Sligo and Belfast, and one deep (approx. 2km) in Grangegorman, Dublin. Additional data will also be collected for potential future sites, thereby ensuring that the GEMINI work will have wider impacts for the island by increasing and improving our knowledge of the sub-surface and our island’s potential geothermal resources. This information will also help to inform new policies, guidelines and supports for the sector through geological heat potential maps, cross-border policy recommendations, toolkits for decision makers (homeowners, planners, developers and local government), community engagement guidelines, and business and skills development activities.

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre:

Promoting renewable, sustainable, and greener energy is a really important way to create a better future for everyone right across this island.

“Geothermal is one of the most exciting opportunities that exists for utilising our natural resources safely and responsibly to enhance energy production. This is an industry in which organisations in Northern Ireland and Ireland can make a significant impact and we are proud to support this important sector through PEACEPLUS.”

7th November 2024