Other Renewables
Geothermal energy technologies use the heat of the earth for direct-use applications, geothermal heat pumps, and electrical power production. Research in all areas of geothermal development is helping to lower costs and expand its use. In the United States, most geothermal resources are concentrated in the West, but geothermal heat pumps can be used nearly anywhere.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps use the relatively constant temperature of soil or surface water as a heat source and sink for a heat pump, which provides heating and cooling for buildings. Geothermal heat pumps can be either ground-source—which use a buried loop or coil of tubing to exchange heat with the soil in your yard—or water-source—which use a loop of tubing submerged in a nearby lake or pond.
While geothermal heat pumps have a higher initial cost, they produce heat more efficiently than furnaces, boilers, and air-source heat pumps, costing less to operate. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), "Geothermal heat pumps can reduce energy consumption—and corresponding emissions—up to 44% compared to air-source heat pumps and up to 72% compared to electric resistance heating with standard air-conditioning equipment."
Arkansas has implemented regulations that govern geothermal heat pumps. See an overview of the regulations. For more information, see the publication Arkansas Water Well Construction Code: Rules and Regulations, or contact:
Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission
101 East Capitol, Suite 350
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-1611
Fax: (501) 682-3991
Email
Looking for a heat pump system? Check out this list of Arkansas Geothermal Heat Pump Vendors.
Links
Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium
Works to increase the awareness and use of geothermal technology. Website provides useful information on the technology, financial incentives, and more.
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association
Works to promote the use of ground-source heat pumps through education and communication.
Learn About: Geothermal
Straightforward information on geothermal energy from RenewableEnergyAccess.com
Geo-Heat Center
The Geo-Heat Center in Klamath Falls, Oregon, transfers technological information about geothermal energy to consultants, developers, potential users, and the general public. Information developed through firsthand experience with hundreds of projects and through extensive research is provided to individuals, organizations or companies involved in geothermal development.
GeoPowering the West
GeoPowering the West is a commitment to dramatically increase the use of geothermal energy in the western United States. A Draft Action Plan is available for download at the program's website, as is other useful information.
Geothermal Education Office
The Geothermal Education Office aims to promote public understanding about geothermal resources and its importance in providing clean sustainable energy while protecting the environment. GEO produces and distributes educational materials about geothermal energy to schools, energy/environmental educators, libraries, industry, and the public. Material for sale includes:
- Curriculum: "Geothermal Energy" for grades 4-8
- Video: "Geothermal Energy: A Down to Earth Adventure, " grades 3-5
- Video: "Geothermal Energy: A Renewable Option" for grades 6-12 and general audiences (accompanying classroom activities now available; also available in Spanish and Japanese)
- CD-ROM: "The Theory of Plate Tectonics" for grades 7-12
Slide Set: "Introduction to Geothermal Energy" for general audiences
Geothermal Technologies Program
The Department of Energy's geothermal research and development program is to work in partnership with U.S. industry to establish geothermal energy as a sustainable, environmentally sound, economically competitive contributor to the U.S. and world energy supply. You can download a 22-page "Strategic Plan for the Geothermal Energy Program" at the Geothermal Energy Program website. The plan identifies five strategic areas of interest linked to both DOE's Strategic Plan and DOE's Comprehensive National Energy Strategy: Domestic Electric Power; Direct Use Applications and Geothermal Heat Pumps; International Geothermal Development; Science and Technology; and Future Resources.
Geothermal Resources Council (GRC)
With the experience and dedication of its diverse membership bolstering a 25-year track record, the Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) has built a reputation as one of the world's premier geothermal associations. The Council serves as a focal point for continuing professional development for its members through its many outreach, information transfer and education services.
Renewable Resource Data Center (RReDC)
The Renewable Resource Data Center (RReDC) provides information on several types of renewable energy resources in the United States, in the form of publications, data, and maps. An extensive dictionary of renewable energy related terms is also provided. The News section announces new products on the RReDC, which is supported by the U. S. Department of Energy's Resource Assessment Program and managed by the Photovoltaics Technology Division of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.