Geothermal energy is solar heat, stored in the ground. The concept of using the heat stored in the ground is not a new one. The first ground source heat pumps were designed in the 60s and 70s, but it has not been until recently that they have been efficient enough to become a viable heating system option.
One of the most effective ways to extract this heat energy is to drill geothermal boreholes. Geothermal boreholes are usually about 100 metres deep and 150mm wide with a loop of pipe inside. A water/refrigerant mix passes through the loop collecting heat from the ground.
Geothermal energy is one of the most reliable renewable energies available. Wind speeds and sunlight hours are unpredictable and can vary throughout the year. Ground temperatures however remain constant, making the ground ideal for efficiently and consistently collecting natural, renewable energy.
Using geothermal energy, the CO2 emissions produced by a normal household can be slashed by a third. Geothermal energy also saves you money: a system can cost between 2-3 times less to run than a conventional heating system.
Housing associations, registered social landlords and commercial developers should have a particular interest in geothermal heating systems. Using a borehole array instead of a trench method to cultivate the heat does not use up valuable space, meaning a building’s usable capacity is not reduced.
With energy performance certificates now being mandatory, using geothermal energy to heat your building will greatly increase its performance rating.
Geothermal energy is the answer for efficient, reliable and renewable energy.