DOE Announces $50 Million for Geothermal Heat Pump Use

On June 2, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced $50 million in stimulus funding to expand the commercial use of geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). “The heat from the Earth represents a significant energy resource that can be tapped to reduce emissions contributing to climate change,” Secretary Chu said. “Expanded use of geothermal heat pumps in the United States will create new jobs for engineers, manufacturers and technicians while at the same broadening our nation’s clean and renewable energy portfolio.” The new funding will be spent on a national certification and accreditation program, life cycle cost tools, and technology demonstration projects around the country. GHPs reduce reliance on fossil fuels because they utilize the relatively constant underground temperature to heat and cool a home or building.

On the same day as Chu’s announcement, EESI hosted a briefing on incorporating renewable energy into heating and cooling systems. Approximately one-third of U.S. energy is used for heating and cooling and residential water heating, yet the significant potential of renewable thermal energy has largely been ignored in national climate and energy policies.