Industrial research into Geothermal Heating Solution for Commercial Greenhouse

Project Description

This is a collaborative project between the ESB and Total Produce involving a technical and commercial feasibility study of the potential to supply a large commercial greenhouse using geothermal heat. This innovative project has significant policy implications and all results will be made available to further research and development in the geothermal sector. With the progressive decarbonisation of the electricity system, electricity will play an increasingly important role in meeting the challenge of decarbonising heat. The use of ground source heating will contribute to national renewable and emissions targets. Although some testing has been carried out elsewhere in County Dublin and in the city centre, there is a lack of detailed information on the local geotechnical conditions in this part of north County Dublin. This project comprises: • Drilling a test borehole to a depth of 150 metres • Carrying out thermal conductivity testing • Analysis and reporting The objectives of the project are to gather information on subsurface conditions including: • thermal conductivity • temperature profile • rock and soil composition which will be used to model the required number and layout of boreholes and the available heat yield. The results of the test, together with the borehole log (drilling log) will be made available to the Geothermal Association of Ireland, the Geological Survey of Ireland and to academic researchers.