Dr Marie Cowan awarded the Energy Group Medal by the Geological Society
This award is presented annually to individuals with a geoscience background who have made an outstanding contribution to the energy industry.
18/05/2023 By BGS Press
Dr Marie Cowan has been director of the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) since 2014 and, in addition, is the team leader for the energy, minerals and waste team. Marie is both a member of the BGS Senior Management Board and is an official of the Department for the Economy (DfE).
She has been at the forefront of GSNI’s work in liaising with all 11 of the Northern Ireland district councils on their draft Local Development Plans, including consideration of energy resources. She has led a new science strategy for GSNI, which prominently features natural resources and the energy transition, and has provided geoscientific advice and expertise to senior officials in DfE.
Marie has been instrumental in leading the recent change in the direction of energy geoscience in Northern Ireland and the prominence of geothermal as a consideration by the Northern Ireland Government. Marie set up and chairs the Geothermal Advisory Committee established by DfE and convened the inaugural Northern Ireland Geothermal Energy Week in June 2022.
I am absolutely honoured and privileged to have been nominated for and awarded the Energy Group medal of the Geological Society of London.
Geothermal energy has been harnessed across the world for many decades and can provide us with 24/7, low-carbon, sustainable and affordable heat and power.
Geologists play a critical role in society as our work helps to deliver the energy transition, achieve net zero, mitigate against climate change and create green jobs.
I will continue with re-affirmed resolve the collaborative work with colleagues, government officials, partners and other stakeholders in Northern Ireland and across Great Britain and Ireland. This will provide strategic scientific leadership, support and evidence that informs policymakers on geothermal energy and its use for our homes, businesses, hospitals, schools, communities and cities.
Dr Marie Cowan, Director of the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland.
Related news
Evidence report on deep geothermal energy opportunities in the UK released
16/11/2023
BGS has published a detailed evidence report that underpins a deep geothermal White Paper.
New book launched on groundwater in Northern Ireland
30/10/2023
BGS and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) have launched a new book and map on Northern Ireland’s groundwater.
New report assesses deep geothermal energy in the UK
17/07/2023
A new BGS report assesses the current situation around and future potential of deep geothermal energy in the UK.
Geothermal energy
Geothermal Energy is all energy stored in the form of heat beneath the surface of the solid earth. It is a reliable and constant source of low-carbon, renewable heat that is not dependent on weather conditions.
Applications
Geothermal energy resources occur in a broad range of geological settings. The BGS Geothermal Team has experience in assessing and characterising shallow and deep geothermal resources.
Collaboration, progress and emerging themes in mine-water heating, cooling and storage
17/05/2023
BGS, the Coal Authority and IEA Geothermal held the third Mine Water Energy Symposium to enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange around the world.
Scientists discover regions of the UK with greatest potential to use heat from deep thermal waters
30/03/2023
BGS geologists have mapped the UK’s potential to use heat from thermal groundwater deep beneath central and southern Britain.
UK Geoenergy Observatories — open events in Glasgow
Event from 26/04/2023 to 27/04/2023
You are invited to visit the UK Geoenergy Observatory in Glasgow, to find out more about what the facility can offer you as a potential user.
Parts of UK listed among world’s most important geological sites
25/10/2022
Parts of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have been named among 100 of the world’s most important geological sites by UNESCO and international scientists.
BGS joins European Geothermal Congress to highlight UK’s geothermal potential
21/10/2022
The European Geothermal Congress will discuss how the geothermal sector can help with the energy crisis.
Clean Energy Beneath Our Feet launches at Glasgow Science Centre
13/03/2022
A new interactive exhibition has launched at Glasgow Science Centre, inspired by the work of the UK Geoenergy Observatories.