Geothermal project to be discussed at Navan conference

A revolutionary multi million euro geothermal energy project for Navan is one of the topics being discussed at a Sustainable Energy Conference in Navan today.

Wind energy and biomass fuels will also be on the agenda at today's meeting in the Ardboyne Hotel, which was opened this morning by Minister Pat Rabbitte.

The conference, which is hosted by Navan Chamber of Commerce will discuss s proposal which would see a water pipe being driven 4.5km underground to generate electricity .
The Chamber believes the geothermal project would be a major incentive to job creation to the town and would, in particular, provide an incentive to the government to push ahead with plans for the new regional hospital in Navan.
The state-of-the-art, deep-bore geothermal technology would tap into hot spots deep underground in Meath, heating water in the pipe to a 160 degrees, hot enough to drive an electricity generating turbine, which would supply 20mw electricity to the national grid.
Local architect Sean Boyle says while there are investors prepared to undertake this project, a change in legislation is needed before it could go ahead,
However, he says former Minister, Noel Dempsey, had been on course to introduce such legislation, before the last government collpased and current Energy Minister, Pat Rabbitte, is also in favour of it.
Todays conference is sponsored by Panda Waste, Meath County Council and Tara Mines and is receiving assistance from Meath Partnership and Hydro Internartional.