Duluth is one of 11 communities in 10 states that were selected to design, with DOE financial support, geothermal district heating and cooling systems.
Prompted by energy-savings and carbon-reduction goals and helped by technological advances, building owners and managers are increasingly asking for sustainable buildings with high-efficiency HVAC systems.
As network geothermal systems break ground in record numbers, the HVAC contractors responsible for installing and maintaining these systems are met with ample business opportunities.
The DOE aims to build upon current Enhanced Geothermal Shots by accelerating research, development, and demonstrations within enhanced geothermal systems, to tap into and better understand resources while significantly reducing the cost of EGS.
The DOE is investing up to $6 million in research and design to lay the groundwork for more geothermal heating and cooling systems at federal facilities.
The moment for geothermal seemed to have arrived several times since the 1970s. A number of factors are forecasting wider use of this type of heating and cooling solution.
Geothermal heat pumps tap into a renewable source of energy to provide comfort for a home, and HVAC contractors can tap into this market for increased sales.