What Happened?
Stoke-on-Trent in the UK is launching an $85 million geothermal project that will develop a district heating network powered by renewable energy. Because the plans call for a more sustainable energy source, officials believe it holds limited risk on the long term.
Goal
Stoke-on-Trent has a deal with Staffordshire that provides $32.28 million in government funding for the geothermal heating project. Stoke Sentinel reported $46.18 million in funding will come from private sector partners, while the city council will invest $5.56 million.
The geothermal heating network will provide heat to public and private sector buildings in the adjacent region. The project is expected to create 201 jobs, while an additional 1,300 positions could arise if the network is expanded to include homes and small businesses.
The city council will be responsible for building the network of geothermal piping. Commercial partners will then build the geothermal plant and sell the heat to public and private customers.
Why Geothermal
The idea of opting for geothermal heating came after the Stoke-on-Trent abandoned plans to drill for coal bed methane, which proved to be less than economically viable. Geothermal heating involves pumping hot water to the surface and sending it through insulated pipes as warm air to different locations to heat structures.
The energy extracted during geothermal heating can be used for radiant floor systems or hot water heating. The process is more efficient than individual heating systems, and much more sustainable. During geothermal processes, no energy conversion is needed so efficiency is high.
Geothermal in France
The New York Times reported France is investing heavily in geothermal energy as part of a larger plan to reduce carbon emissions and maintain energy independence. By 2025, France hopes to reduce its dependence on nuclear power to 50 percent, down from 75 percent.
France wants to build off its massive concentration of geothermal wells in Paris to provide energy nationwide. The French government is considering a bill allowing private investment in renewable energy sources and development, which would allow for a more rapid adoption of geothermal energy across the country. The uptick in green energy would also create nearly 100,000 jobs in France.
Geothermal Grant
In the United States, geothermal energy is gaining popularity slowly, but surely. The Federal Aviation Administration recently awarded $2 million to the South Bend International Airport in Indiana for the installation of a geothermal heating and cooling system. The goal of the project is to reduce carbon emissions at the airport while improving air quality.
The grant is available through the FAA’s Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) program which is designed to reduce ground emissions at airports nationwide while meeting state air quality standards under the Clean Air Act. Eligible sponsors can use Airport Improvement Program funds and Passenger Facility Charges to invest in:
- Low emission vehicles
- Refueling and recharging stations
- Gate electrification
- Preconditioned air units
Furthermore, VALE projects can receive emission reduction credits from state governments that can be used to meet environmental obligations in the future.
Renewed Energy
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