Geothermal Energy Tim Spafford Energy Environment and Economy

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

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

Dry Steam Hot Water (Flash) Binary • Steam obtained by drilling • Hot water is often highly • When water underground 7, 000 to 10, 000 feet in the pressurized in underground is not hot enough to flash earth reservoir into steam • Natural steam is harvested • Hot water is piped to from these depths to power earth’s surface and into earth’s surface a turbine separators • A second liquid is used in a • Pressure is lowered, and heat exchanger to produce hot water flashes into vapor and power turbine steam

Commercial Use: Global

Commercial Use: United States

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 • 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?

References "Geo Installation. " Energy Homes. N. p. , n. d. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. <http: //www. energyhomes. org/renewable%20 technology/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 Report. Contents (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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