Issue 64 - Belfast BT4 • BT5 • BT16
Geothermal energy sector ‘heating up’ with launch of £3 million project A new multimillion pound project from the Department for the Economy (DfE) is set to explore the potential for geothermal energy in Northern Ireland. The project designed to ‘unearth the heat beneath our feet’ aims to support how we decarbonise the energy sector in pursuit of net zero carbon targets by 2050. Launched recently at the Pavilion, Stormont Estate, the project, known as GeoEnergy NI, will examine both shallow and deep geothermal at the Stormont Estate, Belfast and College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Greenmount Campus, Antrim, respectively. Mike Brennan, Permanent Secretary of the Department for the Economy, said: “GeoEnergy NI is a milestone project of the Energy Strategy Action Plan, which focuses on delivering a reduction Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy; John Thompson, Head of Safety and Corporate Responsibility from Translink and Director of the EastSide Arts Festival, Rachel Kennedy.
EastSide Arts Festival reveals spectacular line-up of unique summer events
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy has helped to launch this year’s EastSide Arts Festival, which returns July 27 – August 6 with an exhilarating celebration of the arts. Over 11 days, festivalgoers will have the opportunity to enjoy unique events that showcase east Belfast’s vibrant cultural scene and creative talent. With 60+ events spread across every corner of the east, audiences of all
ages will be treated to an extraordinary array of music, comedy, dance, theatre, cabaret, talks, tours, film, and family events sure to inspire and engage. As ever, the festival provides a platform for
local artists, entertainers, and performers to shine, whilst bringing people together to enjoy the best of the east. Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to experience thought-provoking theatre and literature, revel in
unforgettable music and cabaret, and uncover the hidden gems and historical landmarks that make up east Belfast’s rich heritage.
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in energy-related emissions as part of the pathway to deliver net zero carbon and affordable energy by 2050. This project will increase our understanding of the potential role that geothermal energy can play in Northern Ireland’s green economy and future energy mix.” Representing a £3 million investment, GeoEnergy NI is being delivered by DfE with scientific support from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) and a specialist contractor team led by Tetra Tech Europe. To find out more about geothermal energy and to keep up to date with the GeoEnergy NI project visit www.GeoEnergyNI.org