The geothermal option — an opportunity not to be missed

Source: Jeff Tester & Ann Robertson-Tait · THE HILL · | August 30, 2021

Source: iStock

In the face of today’s complex challenges, Americans are seeking opportunities for positive change. Two key examples of major challenges are growing concerns about the impacts of climate change driven by carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels, and concerns about the impacts of our failing infrastructure after years of neglect. 

Many U.S. presidents, congressional and state leaders — and an increasing number of businesses, large and small — are emphasizing that our energy system must reduce carbon emissions and use more sustainable resources. They also support fixing our infrastructure. Repairing bridges and roads and deploying renewable domestic wind and solar energy systems as substitutes for coal- and gas-fired electricity generation will have complementary effects if done correctly. These changes will lower our carbon emissions, provide good job opportunities and make us more competitive. But repairing bridges and roads and increasing solar and wind energy are not enough to achieve the critical improvements that we need. We need a comprehensive plan to transform our energy supply system to dramatically lower our carbon footprint and improve the vitality and livability of our communities and cities. Using geothermal energy for heating offers a solution to both goals.  

A closer look at how we supply and use energy today reveals the key reason why geothermal energy is a good choice. About 20 percent of our total primary energy is used in the U.S. to supply heat over a range of end-use temperatures that are lower than the boiling point of water. Much of this heating demand in most American homes and commercial buildings is met by burning natural gas, oil or propane in hot water heaters and furnaces at much higher temperatures than needed. Another 10 percent of our total primary energy is used at somewhat higher temperatures to provide heat by burning fossil fuels for commercial and industrial processes.