Geothermal energy represents clean energy derived from heat from the earth itself. Because of heat produced by natural processes beneath the earth’s crust, there is a wealth of heat underground, which can be used to produce electricity or provide heat. This energy is renewable and clean, and the operating plants often are compact and use less land than other clean and conventional energy sources.
How it Works
Geothermal energy taps into the heat within the planet to provide heat of electricity. Hot water and steam reservoirs can be used directly or to drive generators and produce energy. Generally, which of these processes is done by a plant depends on whether it is a heat pump or used for generation.
Heat pumps use the consistent temperature of the planet to heat and cool buildings. These low energy systems function by transferring heat into and out of buildings from the ground. These systems allow for efficient heating and cooling in all months of the year, and due to the geology of the United States, are widely available.
For more information on heat pumps, visit the
National Renewable Energy Lab’s website.
Ground source heat pump (GHP) systems, also known as geothermal heat pumps, are an effective energy efficiency thermal technology used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in both residential and commercial setting. These systems reduce criteria pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, by lessening energy demand and improving energy efficiency. When designed properly and deployed in appropriate settings the results can be a significant source of emissions reductions.
A GHP system consists of a ground loop well system that exchanges heat between the ground and groundwater and a circulating fluid. This is then integrated with a heat exchanger and the buildings HVAC distribution system either for air or water temperature control. These systems utilized wells and cooler ambient temperatures of groundwater to improve efficiency of heating and cooling for buildings. For more information visit the National Renewable Energy Lab’s website.
These plants use steam from deep in the earth’s surface to activate a generator and produce electricity. Dry steam, flash steam, and binary steam plants are all options for this geothermal use. For more information visit the
National Renewable Energy Lab’s website.
Geothermal Energy in New Jersey
Because of the relatively consistent ground temperature throughout the state, New Jersey is relatively well suited for geothermal energy projects. Currently, there are state incentives for installing geothermal energy systems, and executive orders signed in 2018 have made geothermal power a part of New Jersey’s renewable energy plan for the future. Geothermal energy technology allows for improved energy efficiency, which is a key benefit for the densely populated state.
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