The Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard - Renewable Energy Credits - Geothermal Heating and Cooling bill has passed the state legislature in Maryland. The legislation makes geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) an accepted technology for utilities to use toward earning Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) under the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).

Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) recently released a one-page flyer titled “The Geothermal Spectrum,” which describes each of the three ways individuals can access the Earth’s heat including geothermal heat pumps, direct use, and geothermal power.

The Econar® ColdClimate™ Series of geothermal heat pumps is designed to meet the demands of heating-dominant climates without sacrificing efficiency, said the company. The series features heat-cool balance and leaving air temperatures of up to 106°F. TruBalance™ technology regulates heating and cooling operation.

Maryland recently became the first state to recognize geothermal heating and cooling as a renewable energy source. This has many leaders in the geothermal industry hoping this helps serve as a motivator to the other 49 states.

Nearly 250 manufacturers’ representatives, architects, and engineers participated in this year’s ClimateMaster national sales meeting, held recently at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. 

Modine Manufacturing Co. announced that it has signed a definitive asset purchase agreement to acquire privately-held Geofinity Manufacturing of Surrey, British Columbia. Modine said this acquisition will provide it with a full line of geothermal heat pumps in both water-to-water and water-to-air models.

ClimateMaster and LoopTech recently welcomed more than 200 attendees to their inaugural GeoRanch event in New Waverly, Texas.

Spring Independent School District (SISD) leaders discovered that smart architectural planning, coupled with the right combination of contractors and materials, could allow its newest elementary building to be completed on budget, utilizing the latest sustainable trends and building methods.

The Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) announced that it has presented its Geothermal Heat Pump Industry Champion awards to Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), ranking Republican on the same committee.

The Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) recently presented its Geothermal Heat Pump Industry Champion awards to key legislators in Washington, D.C.