Article

Antrim's council has approved a planning application from the Department for the Economy to construct a 40-meter drilling rig for geothermal energy exploration. The project aims to drill two boreholes over a mile deep to assess the area's geothermal potential.

Expected to last 14 months, the drilling will occur in a temporary capacity, with minimal impact on residents. Environmental assessments indicate low risks, and assurances have been provided that fracking will not be involved. The drilling is anticipated to yield temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees Celsius at depth, contributing to renewable heating solutions.