15 MW Geothermal Energy Plant

Stephen Mc Loughlin

Stephen Devlin

Paul O Reilly

Mark Flanagan

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 Visual impact

No Air or Water Pollution

Only small amount of land required

Running costs are very low

Budget & Finance

Figures not correct, this is just basic idea for the slide• Research , geophysical surveys and test drilling – 4 Million• Planning and consultations – 2 million • Cost of Transmission Line – 4Million.• Cost of plant build – 20 Million• Assumed Online Availability Factor = 95%• Operation and Maintenance Costs for Plant and Field in cents/kWh = 1c• Production prices of about 5-7 cent per KWh once running• Electricity Sales Price in cents/kWh = 12 cents• Money made from Electricity Sales Price in cents/kWh = 5 cents• Average Cost of Production Well = 10 million• Average Cost of Injection Well = 10 million• Total Capital Costs of the Geothermal Power Project per kW = 50M• Total Capital Costs of the Geothermal Power Project per kW – 3000Euro• Payback Period = 10 – 15 years

Budget & Finance

Risk – Barriers

High initial capital costs.

Environmental risk – fines and penalties.

Planning, permit and legislation – any changes hold up project.

Inappropriate funding schemes

Inappropriate legal framework

Geographical risk–Tremors, land subsidence, temperature decline

Pre build risks – survey errors and research oversight.

Failure of Equipment or injection/production Wells

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.

Funding From Sustainable Energy Authority (SEAI)

Having a Power Purchase Agreement in place - help to raise financial support

European geothermal fund scheme– GEOFUND

Guaranteed loan structure.

Project plan & Timeline

Project plan & Timeline

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

Infrastructure