The Geothermal Association of Ireland
Embracing the most plentiful and sustainable energy source from the Irish landscape
Our Goals
The GAI promotes the development of geothermal energy in Ireland through:
- Industry Sector Representation
- Education & Awareness
- Standards for the Industry
Some Geothermal Energy Facts
- Geothermal sources allow 3-4 units of heat to be produced by heat pumps using 1 unit of electricity.
- It allows for heating and cooling of homes, offices, industry and large conurbations.
- Geothermal is a low-carbon, viable, sustainable source of energy.
- Ireland has an excellent source of shallow geothermal energy reserves.
Our Story
The Geothermal Association of Ireland (GAI) was formed as a not for profit association in 1998 to promote the development of geothermal energy in all its forms in Ireland. GAI is committed to education and awareness building to promote the use of geothermal as a sustainable energy system in Ireland.
Meet The Committee
![Irene Pascual](http://dev.geothermalassociation.ie/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IrenePascual-e1703271190895.png)
Irene Pascual
Chair
Irene is an enthusiastic geologist in the early stage of her professional career. She has a B.Sc. (Hons) in Geology from the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. Her professional experience involves geotechnical engineering, environmental geology, geohazards, onshore renewables and Irish grid transmission system. Irene was elected as the chair of the GAI in 2024.
![Ric Pasquali](http://dev.geothermalassociation.ie/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Riccardo-Pasquali.jpeg)
Ric Pasquali
Vice Chair
Ric is a Professional Geologist with over 20-year experience in consultancy, project management and project development. His core areas of expertise include geothermal energy project development (shallow and deep), resource assessment and development of solutions for different end-users. Ric has also participated in NSAI & CEN technical working groups in development of standards for GHSPs and borehole heat exchangers.
![Keith Harlin](https://dev.geothermalassociation.ie/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Keith.jpg)
Keith Harlin
Secretary
Keith has a BSc. In Geology from University College Dublin and an MSc. In Environmental Geology from University College Cork. Through work as a consultant hydrogeologist and geothermal geologist, Keith has recognised the vast opportunities for geothermal utilisation across the Island and is keen to play a role in the development of the technology. Keith joins the GAI in the role of secretary and will help lead and support the growth of the sector.
![James Byrne](http://dev.geothermalassociation.ie/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/James-Byrne.jpg)
James Byrne
Treasurer
James is the founder of OPNBuildings and has over 30 years experience in the HVAC sector in Ireland. He began his career in the family engineering business and went on to study HVAC technology in Bolton Street College (now TU Dublin). He is the Treasurer of GAI.
![Rory Dunphy](https://dev.geothermalassociation.ie/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rory.jpg)
Rory Dunphy
Policy
Rory is a highly experienced geoscience professional with over 18 years technical and stakeholder management exoerience in Ireland. With this extensive experience, Rory brings to the GAI a unique skill set for supporting the development of the sector, understanding of stakeholder needs and to ensure that inclusive approach to promoting our geothermal sector is achieved.
![Joe Ireland](http://dev.geothermalassociation.ie/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/JoeIreland-e1703271453715.jpg)
Joe Ireland
Communications
Joe is a field-tested engineer with experience working on various projects across multiple disciplines. He is pursuing his passion for climate, energy and the subsurface by completing a Ph.D. at Queen's University Belfast researching Geothermal Energy in Northern Ireland. Joe manages communications including our social media and newsletter.
![Paul Stafford](https://dev.geothermalassociation.ie/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Paul.jpg)
Paul Stafford
Memebership
Paul has a BSc in Geology and an MSc in Petroleum Geoscience, He is the lead for Geothermal Development at GDG. Paul has served for a number of years on the GAI committee in different roles and his experience will help the GAI membership tea, reach out to new stakeholders on the Island.
![Clodagh Gillen](https://dev.geothermalassociation.ie/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Clodagh.jpg)
Clodagh Gillen
Membership
Clodagh has a BSc in Earth and Ocean Science from NUI Galway and an MSc in Hydrogeology from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. Clodagh has worked in Groundwater Relief, and the Tellus project. She is currently undertaking a PhD in mine water geothermal at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. She joins the GAI as part of the membership subcommittee.
![Graham Andrews](https://dev.geothermalassociation.ie/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Graham.jpg)
Graham Andrews
Communications
Graham has two decades of experience as a geology professor, Graham has transitioned into a role as an independent geological consultant. He joins the GAI as part of the communications team.