Apr 18 2008
Earth Day is a time to appreciate the natural world and explore ways we can reduce our impact on the Earth. A great way to celebrate Earth Day is by using an energy source that comes directly from "Mother Earth" -- geothermal energy.
Geothermal energy helps reduce the impact of pollution on our air, water, and wildlife, and its use is growing. On Earth Day 2008, 6 million Americans will be using geothermal energy in their homes. About 3 million will receive electricity from geothermal power plants, and another three million will use geothermal heat pumps to heat and cool their homes. In the future, there could be millions more!
Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson believed education was a key to protecting the environment. Let's echo his conviction on Earth Day 2008 and discover the ways we can use geothermal energy. But where can you learn more about it?
The U.S. Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) recommends these Web sites for more information:
The Geothermal Education Office: http://geothermal.marin.org
- Great educational materials about all types of geothermal energy uses. Take a few minutes and view the wonderful geothermal slide show.
The Geothermal Energy Association: http://www.geo-energy.org
- Information about geothermal power, new technologies, and new projects in the United States. Download a free copy of "A Guide to Geothermal Energy and The Environment."
The Geothermal Resources Council: http://www.geothermal.org
- Links to information about geothermal in the U.S. and worldwide, as well as the annual U.S. technical conference on geothermal energy. Students can sign up free for the GRC Annual Meeting!
The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association: https://selectra.co.uk/energy/guides/market/igshpa
- Local to national information about geothermal heat pumps, including a directory of businesses. You can search for heat pump designers, installers, and dealers in your area.
The Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium: http://www.geoexchange.org
- Geothermal heat pump industry information and events. Check out the fact sheets and brochures under their publications tab.
Geo-Center of the Oregon Institute of Technology: http://geoheat.oit.edu
- This U.S. DOE-funded information center on geothermal energy is a particularly unique site for information on geothermal "direct uses" such as greenhouses and building heating. Click on their interactive map to see geothermal projects in your state.
For those interested in learning more about geothermal energy today, we recommend starting with "A Guide to Geothermal Energy and The Environment." This 87-page booklet covers a wide range of environmental topics as well as provides an introduction to geothermal energy as this resource is being used today. You can download a PDF copy free of charge at http://www.geo-energy.org/publications/reports.asp.