Tim Spafford Energy, Environment, and Economy 02/14/2017 Geothermal Energy Tim Spafford Energy, Environment, and Economy 02/14/2017

Agenda History and Background Use in Electricity Production Global statistics Use in Residential Heating and Cooling Economical Factors Discussion and Questions

What is it? Heat within earth generated due to radioactive decay and continual heat loss from earth’s formation This heat is released from the core to earth’s crust, where we can make use of the high- temperature asset Making use of the large temperature difference between the earth’s core and earth’s surface to heat, cool, and produce electricity http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/natural_hazards/tectonic_plates_rev1.shtml

History Ancient Romans to heat baths Western states used hot springs to heat houses and hotels 1904 – First Geothermal power plant built in Italy 1921 – First Geothermal power plant built in United States (California) 1970’s – Government begins to hand out grants to research geothermal energy and build new geothermal plants

Commercial Geothermal Energy Production “High Temperature” geothermal energy Hydrothermal is the main type in use today for commercial purposes Uses the hot water within earth’s crust to power a turbine to generate electricity

Steam obtained by drilling 7,000 to 10,000 feet in the earth Dry Steam Hot Water (Flash) Binary Steam obtained by drilling 7,000 to 10,000 feet in the earth Natural steam is harvested from these depths to power a turbine Hot water is often highly pressurized in underground reservoir Hot water is piped to earth’s surface and into separators Pressure is lowered, and hot water flashes into steam When water underground is not hot enough to flash into steam Hot water is piped to earth’s surface A second liquid is used in a heat exchanger to produce vapor and power turbine http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/how-geothermal-energy-works.html#.WKG3fTsrJPY

Commercial Use: Global

Commercial Use: United States Geysers, CA – 1500 MW capacity, largest in the world

Enhanced Geothermal System

Downsides of Commercial Geothermal Electricity Generation Location specific Large capital costs Can induce seismic hazards (earthquakes) Only sustainable if the underground well is maintained properly Large cost to find practical locations Lengthy plant production time (4-8 years)

Geothermal for Residential Use Low Temperature Geothermal Energy Used for heating and cooling “Ground Source Heat Pumps” Earth’s surface constant at 50º to 60º F

Economics of Ground Source Heat Pumps Standard house will use 2-4 ton HVAC system Cost to install: Standard HVAC system is $3,000-$4,000 per ton GSHP system is $5,000- $8,000 per ton Through Dec. 31 2016, was a federal 30% tax credit on installed systems 30% reduction on cost to install

Local Geothermal Companies Many local HVAC companies offer geothermal systems: Kool-Temp Heating and Cooling – Albany, NY Choice Heating and Cooling – Cohoes, NY Hanson Well Drilling and Pump – Nassau, NY Aztech Heating and Cooling – Ballston Spa, NY Abbot Energy – Albany, NY

Downsides of Residential Geothermal Systems Large installation cost Cause initial disturbance to your land Can be very difficult to repair if a leak or blockage occurs in the well Must have adequate land or pond available Some climates may need additional heating to provide optimal comfort

Discussion Question Questions? So far, means of electricity production by harnessing geothermal energy has not been effective as compared to other sources of renewable energy. Why are government programs still heavily funding these projects? Questions? Still many geothermal resources that have been untapped (Many GigaWatts). New technologies are being developed that will allow us to harness more, not as location specific with new technology.

References "Geo Installation." Energy Homes. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. <http://www.energyhomes.org/renewable%20technology/geoinstallation.html>. "Geothermal Energy." Geothermal Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. "Geothermal FAQs." Geothermal FAQs | Department of Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. "Geothermal Maps." NREL: Dynamic Maps, GIS Data, and Analysis Tools - Geothermal Maps. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 18 July 2016. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. "A History of Geothermal Energy in America." A History of Geothermal Energy in America | Department of Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. Martek, Benjamin, and Karl Gawell. "The Economic Costs and Benefits of Geothermal Power." (n.d.): n. pag. Geothermal Energy Association. Web. Matek, Benjamin. "2015 Annual U.S. and Global Geothermal Power Production Report." 2015 Annual U.S. & Global Geothermal Power Production ReportContents (n.d.): n. pag. Geothermal Energy Association, Feb. 2015. Web. Tierney, June. "Renewables." Vermont Department of Public Service. N.p., 2011. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. <http://publicservice.vermont.gov/renewable_energy>.

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