The government's energy minister has launched a public consultation process on options for the development of geothermal energy in Ireland.

Mr Ryan is invited interested parties to submit their views on the technical, legal and regulatory issues involved in the development of the technology, which is used in over 20 countries around the world including Iceland, the USA, Italy, Germany, France, New Zealand, and Russia. The Chevron Corporation is the world's largest producer of the energy.

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Geothermal energy is stored in the form of heat beneath the surface of the solid earth. The usable heat most often takes the form of hot water and steam at temperatures of 370°C.

Minister Ryan said: "Climate change and the EU commitment to the Kyoto Protocol have made renewable energy and consequently, geothermal energy a high point on the agenda of most European Governments".

"I believe that if geothermal energy utilisation is to develop to a commercially sustainable level in Ireland, a regulatory and administrative regime needs to be developed.”

The minister added: "For this reason, I have convened an informal working group who will report to me before the end of the year. I will then consider how to further progress this issue".

Responses are invited before the close of business on July 31 next and can be posted by online questionnaire at www.geothermalconsultation.ie.

(DW/JM)