Geothermal
Energy
Able Environmental Groundwater beneath our feet stays at a moderate temperature 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A Geothermal Heating & Cooling System is an efficient, comfortable, economical and environmentally-sensitive way to harness this free energy beneath your feet. And when it comes to the harnessing of Geothermal energy, Able Environmental is an established leader. Experienced in both the equipment and technological aspects of Geothermal Systems, Able is available to now provide our expertise in Geothermal heating & cooling systems to you, "the homeowner."
Australia's Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Research Hot Dry Rock Research Program at the School of Petroleum Engineering.
California Department of Conservation - Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources They ensure the safe exploration and development of oil, gas and geothermal resources. They oversee the construction, operation and closure of wells used to tap these energy resources, an important step in guarding drinking and agricultural waters against pollution. They are also the sole public source for information on California's more than 45,000 active oil, gas and geothermal wells.
Canadian Earth Energy Association The Canadian Earth Energy Association was incorporated in 1987 as the voice of the ground-source heat pump (GSHP) industry, to promote quality system installations, and to promote earth energy as a viable economic and environmental option in Canada's energy future.
District Energy in Iceland Iceland has the largest percentage of district heated buildings in the world, with more than 85% of houses connected to one of the 32 systems in the country. Geothermal energy is the source for most of the district heat in Iceland, although some comes from cogeneration plants and from electric boilers.
Electricity from Geothermal Energy One of the more successful renewable energy source to date has been geothermal energy. The total installed capacity of geoelectric resources in the world is nearly 6.8 GW while the United States alone has a capacity exceeding 2800 MW, the most important of which is the Geysers in California. Geothermal power generation is economically competitive with conventional power such as coal and nuclear fission and also more reliable. Geothermal power has a shorter construction time and requires less maintenance. Most importantly, geothermal energy has a very low emission of carbon, sulfur, and nitrous oxides compared to coal (see figure). The purpose of this Web site is to educate more people about how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity and the potential benefits of further research and development.
Energy & Geoscience Institute (EGI) The Energy & Geoscience Institute (EGI) at the University of Utah is a not-for-profit research organization with a 25-year record of conducting multidisciplinary projects worldwide. EGI's geothermal research is focused on developing new technology for exploration, reservoir delineation, and production of resources in the Western United States, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
ENERGY STAR®-Labeled Geothermal Heat Pumps Geothermal heat pumps are similar to ordinary air conditioners and heat pumps, but utilize the ground instead of outside air to provide heating, air conditioning, and, in most cases, hot water. Geothermal heat pumps take advantage of stable temperature conditions in the ground and the nearly limitless supply of renewable heating and cooling energy that is stored there. This new twist on heat pump technology helps make geothermal heat pumps among the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling technologies currently available.
GeoExchange Information Center This site will facilitate outreach, communications, technology transfer, networking, and the exchange of information related to geothermal or ground-source heating and cooling.
Geo-Heat Center - Geothermal Information and Technology Transfer The transfer of technological information to consultants, developers, potential users, and the general public is an important element in the development of direct heat utilization of geothermal energy. The Geo-Heat Center's resources are available to the public, through the USDOE. Information developed through firsthand experience with hundreds of projects and through extensive research is provided to individuals, organizations or companies involved in geothermal development.
Georgia Geothermal Online Georgia Geothermal is one of the nation’s most successful geothermal loop installers. Since 1992, we have completed more than 1,000 successful commercial and residential loop systems. Georgia Tech has Georgia Geo loops installed, and now the Department of Energy showcases this project as a geothermal efficiency case study. Georgia Geo uses the latest design and installation techniques to install the highest quality engineered installation of loops to insure optimal performance at reasonable cost. Georgia Geo is one of only a few geothermal loop design and installation companies to install a complete residential development utilizing geothermal technology.
Geothermal Geothermal resources can be used for power generation or for heating and exist as either dry steam or as hot water. Dry steam, which is a rare resource, can be routed directly to a turbine to generate power. For power generation from hot water, there are two primary conversion technologies: flash plants (for resource temperatures >175 degrees C), which rely on flashing the hot water to steam, and binary plants (for resource temperatures of 100 degrees C to 175 degrees C), which use the heat of the hot water to boil a "working fluid," usually an organic compound. These technologies are currently used to generate electricity from geothermal resources in California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. In 1990, 62 geothermal electric plants were in place with a total generating capacity of slightly more than 2350 MW.
Geothermal There are three classifications of geothermal power: (1) hydrothermal: associated with steam and hot water; (2) geopressurized water uses a hydraulic turbine ; and (3) petrothermal: dry hot rock which uses water injection to make steam .
Geothermal Department of the National Energy Authority The principal role of the Geothermal Division is to explore and assist in the development of the geothermal resources of Iceland. For this the division employs about 40 specialists. The Geothermal Division covers all aspects of geothermal investigations and operates the following laboratories, viz. a) a geophysical and electronic laboratory for the development and maintenance of geophysical instruments; b) a geochemistry laboratory for rock, water and gas analysis. c) a geophysical logging laboratory for the development, maintenance and calibration of logging instruments and the operation of three logging trucks; d) a petrological laboratory for mineral analysis where thin sections, mineral separation, X-ray diffraction and porosity determinations are made. About 44 % of the gross total energy used annually in Iceland, which currently comprises about 2.5 Megatons oil equivalent, is derived from geothermal resources.
Geothermal Education Office Provides free booklets, small posters, newsletters, and selected geothermal industry publications (some in class sets).
Geothermal Energy A listing of links to information on geothermal energy.
Geothermal Energy - Extracting Thermal Energy from Deep Within the Earth Miles beneath the Earth's surface lies one of the world's largest energy resources—geothermal energy. Our ancestors have used geothermal energy for cooking and bathing since prehistoric times. Today, we use this enormous energy reservoir to supply millions of people with clean, low-cost electricity.
Geothermal Energy... Power from the Depths The Earth's crust is a bountiful source of energy—and fossil fuels are only part of the story. Heat or thermal energy is by far the more abundant resource. To put it in perspective, the thermal energy in the uppermost six miles of the Earth's crust amounts to 50,000 times the energy of all oil and gas resources in the world!
Geothermal Energy Resources EcoNet's links to geothermal energy resources.
Geothermal Energy Technology (GET) The Geothermal Energy Technology (GET) online document database, updated bimonthly, allows geothermal energy researchers to search, browse, and retrieve hypertext bibliographic citations of current worldwide information available on the technologies required for economic recovery of geothermal energy and its use as direct heat or for electric power production. Users can access the Current Release of the database as well as the Cumulative Database (which includes previous editions).
Geothermal Energy - What Is It? A fact sheet about geothermal energy and its use in Hawaii.
Geothermal Heat Increases Our Energy Supply Geothermal energy is here today -- it is not merely a hope for the future. The production of geothermal energy in the U.S. currently ranks third in renewable energy sources, following hydroelectric power and biomass energy. In the United States, the electrical-generation industry has an installed capacity of 2,900 megawatts of electricity (MWe) from geothermal energy, while direct applications have an installed capacity in excess of 2,100 thermal megawatts (MWt). Approximately 5,700 MWe are currently being generated in some 20 countries from geothermal energy, and there are 11,300 MWt of installed capacity worldwide for direct-heat applications at inlet temperatures above 95deg.F.
Geothermal Heat Pumps The geothermal heat pump (GHP), also known as the ground source heat pump, is a highly efficient renewable energy technology that is gaining wide acceptance for both residential and commercial buildings. It is used for space heating and cooling, as well as water heating. Its great advantage is that it works by concentrating naturally existing heat, rather than by producing heat through combustion of fossil fuels.
Geothermal Heat
Pump Program 
As its goal,
the Department’s Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Program expects to achieve
an installation rate of 400,000 GHP units per year by the year 2000. Besides
deployment activities, this ambitious goal will require a concerted effort
in the areas of education and outreach, technology transfer, and technical
assistance.
Geothermal Institute at the University of Auckland The Geothermal Institute at the University of Auckland is an international training and research centre. Its principal aim is to train professional engineers and earth scientists in geothermal energy technology. Since its inception in 1979 the Institute has trained more than 400 students from Asia, Latin America, Africa and Europe.
Geothermal Loan Encourages New Power Industry A guaranteed loan from the U.S. Department of Energy was crucial in overcoming financial uncertainty when developing the Ormesa geothermal plants. The modular facility has since achieved a 98% on-line availability, and the loan has been refinanced privately.
Geothermal Operations Unocal is the world's leading producer of geothermal energy, with more than 30 years' experience in geothermal resource exploration, reservoir delineation and management, and project economics and finance. Unocal also has proven experience in planning, designing, building and operating private power projects. The company operates four of the world's major geothermal electricity projects: Tiwi and Mak-Ban in the Philippines, Gunung Salak in Indonesia, and The Geysers in Northern California. Together, these projects have a combined installed electrical generating capacity of 2,075 megawatts.
Geothermal Products, Inc. TETCO Geothermal Products are marketed exclusively by Geothermal Products Inc. of Delaware, Ohio USA. These products absorb or reject heat to or from the earth by using either ground water or a closed loop heat exchanger.
Geothermal Resources At the Southern Methodist University Geothermal Laboratory, the Earth's surface and internal temperture are studied. With financial support from the Department of Energy, we have completed a data base containing geothermal temperature well information for the United States. Some of this data was determined by faculty and graduate students from SMU measuring specific wells in the western and south-central United States. Much of the data though was gathered by other researches in the field of Geothermal Energy both nationally and internationally. We compiled the data into one data base and continue to update it as new well information becomes available.
Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) is worldwide in scope. It has members in approximately 25 countries and international members are seated on the Board of Directors. The purpose of the GRC is to encourage research, exploration and development of geothermal energy. To encourage and promote the establishment of criteria for the development of geothermal resources in a manner compatible with the natural environment.
Geothermics: International Journal of Geothermal Research and its Applications Geothermics is devoted to the research and development of geothermal energy. It promulgates the state of the art and science of geothermal energy, its exploration and exploitation through a regular exchange of information from all over the world. The journal publishes papers dealing with the theory, exploration techniques and all aspects of the utilization of geothermal resources. It serves as a scientific clearing house, through which the growing community of geothermal specialists can provide and receive information.The International Board of Editors of Geothermics, which comprises specialists in the various aspects of geothermal resources, exploration and development, guarantees the balanced, comprehensive view of scientific and technological developments in this promising energy field.
How is Geothermal Energy Produced? Geothermal energy is heat from the earth. The core of our planet is a large mass of molten material called magma. It may have temperatures of up to 8,000C. At some locations the magma comes close to the surface and creates hot spots. When ground water comes in contact with these hot spots, the water turns to steam. Geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone National Park are examples of geothermal energy. Geothermal steam or hot water is like "Mother Nature's boiler. The steam or hot water can be used to generate electricity if it is collected and transported through pipes to a power plant. The steam can also be piped directly into buildings for heat. Geothermal fields in Geysers in Northern California generage enough electricity to serve a city the size of San Francisco. Geothermal hot water heats most of the home in Iceland's capital, Reykjavic. Most of El Salvador's electricity is generated by geothermal energy. Mexico and the Phillipines are also major geothermal users.
International District Energy Association (IDEA) The International District Energy Association (IDEA) promotes energy efficiency and environmental quality through the advancement of district heating, district cooling, and cogeneration. The Association's membership consists of representatives from utilities, municipals, universities, hospitals, military bases, airports, industrial parks, and other physical plant systems engaged in the supplying of thermal energy in the form of steam, and hot and chilled water for heating, cooling and process uses.
International Geothermal Association (IGA) Home page of the IGA. The International Geothermal Association (IGA) is worldwide in scope with members in 49 countries. Their objective is to encourage research, development and utilization of geothermal resources worldwide through the compilation, publication and dissemination of scientific and technical data and information, both within the community of geothermal specialists and between geothermal specialists and the general public.
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association IGSHPA, the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, was established in 1987 to advance geothermal/ground source heat pump technology on a local, state, national, and international level.
New Jersey Heat Pump Council The New Jersey Heat Pump Council, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of high-efficiency heat pumps throughout the State. The Council's activities include certification and training for heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractors, education programs for trade associates, and distribution of educational materials regarding high-efficiency electric heat pumps.
Oregon Geo-Heat Center The transfer of technological information to consultants, developers, potential users, and the general public is an important element in the development of direct heat utilization of geothermal energy. The Geo-Heat Center's resources are available to the public, through the USDOE. Information developed through firsthand experience with hundreds of projects and through extensive research is provided to individuals, organizations or companies involved in geothermal development.
Project Consolidation Rescues Geothermal Development Combining several small geothermal projects allowed Oxbow Geothermal to achieve the economies necessary to construct its own transmission line. Although construction approvals were difficult to obtain, existing power purchase contracts gave the company the impetus to overcome those obstacles.
Renewable Energy: Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy is renewable heat energy from the Earth. Geothermal reservoirs of hot water or steam are tapped with wells, and their heat is either used directly or converted to electricity. Geothermal applications can range in scale from small, residential heat pumps to large district heating systems.
Renewable Energy: Geothermal Energy USDOE Office of Geothermal Technologies Home Page.
Reno Energy, University of Nevada - Reno, Geothermal Heating District Reno Energy and the University of Nevada, Reno, have announced plans to create a geothermal district heating system in Reno, Nevada.
Sierra Club Policy: Geothermal Energy The Sierra Club recognizes that geothermal energy is a potentially plentiful and favorable energy source. The heat energy stored beneath the surface of the Earth is vast, and could itself, if available, supply all of the energy needs of humankind. Its availability for direct use and for conversion to other forms of energy is, however, presently restricted to the utilization of naturally occurring underground reservoirs of hot water or steam. These are limited in number and capacity, generally depletable, and in many cases geographically situated far from sites of energy demand. Also, the exploitation of these reservoirs is frequently accompanied by detrimental impacts on the environment.
Stanford Geothermal Program The primary objective of the Stanford Geothermal Program is the development of reservoir engineering techniques to allow for the production of the nation's geothermal resources in the most efficient manner possible. To this end, the investigation topics are chosen to provide greatest impact in identifying and overcoming field problems which are either current or imminent. The primary focus in the immediate future will be the investigation of reinjection into vapor-dominated reservoirs such as The Geysers. This investigation will require the study of the effects of adsorption during injection, as well as the examination of the mechanisms of boiling in vapor filled porous rock.
The Plus Side of Volcanoes - Geothermal Energy The Earth's crust, on which we live and depend, is in large part the product of millions of once-active volcanoes and tremendous volumes of magma that did not erupt but instead cooled below the surface. Such persistent and widespread volcanism has resulted in many valuable natural resources throughout the world. ... Groundwater heated by large, still-hot magma bodies can be tapped for geothermal energy.
The United Nations University Geothermal Training Programme
U.S. Department of Energy Geothermal Energy Technical Site This is the US Department of Energy's Geothermal Energy Technical Information Site.
US Geothermal Projects and Resource Areas A US map showing where the direct use projects are located. This is a clickable map where you can find information concerning each direct use site. Just click on a state to get information for that state or click on the Direct Use icons at the bottom to get a listing of all the projects for that direct use.
Virginia Tech Geothermal Data WWW Page The WWW home page for the Geothermal Data at the Regional Geophysics Laboratory in the Department of Geological Sciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.
Wastewater-to-Electricity Cooperative Project The Southeast Geysers Effluent Pipeline and Injection Project is partnership including Unocal, other companies at The Geysers, and governmental agencies at county, state and federal levels. This $45 million cooperative project, the first of its kind in the world, is designed to deliver up to 7.8 million gallons per day of treated wastewater for injection into The Geysers geothermal reservoir. Based on steam recovery estimates, wastewater injection could increase overall Geysers output by 70 MW.
What is Geothermal? The earth is a giant collector that absorbs and stores heat from the sun. A depths from 20 to 30 feet, depending on the location and surface characteristics the temperature is within 5º F of the average annual air temperature. This temperature fluctuates very little throughout the year, so in most climates the ground temperature is warmer than the air in the winter and cooler in the summer. Water has even more potential for absorbing and storing heat. Large surface water bodies, such as lakes or large ponds that do not freeze solid in the winter, can be used for both heating and cooling. Ground water can also be used. In fact, ground water has several advantages over surface water; the primary advantage is that the temperature of ground water is even more stable.
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David Rezachek