Geothermal heat generates cheap, clean electric power, but requires a steep upfront commitment of capital to tap.
Thanks to Iceland's abundance of geothermal heat, swimming is a national institution.
People tack on all manner of technology to their homes to be green: solar panels, 100-foot-deep geothermal heat pipes and computerized climate zones.
The resort prides itself on its environmental initiative, which has led to the generation of clean electricity from geothermal heat produced by the hot spring.
The local speciality is cozido, a rich stew made of kale, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, pork, beef, chicken and sausages, cooked for six to seven hours in the soil's geothermal heat.
For example, if you plan to add geothermal heat pumps, residential small wind turbines or solar energy systems, the credit is equal to 30% of the cost with no upper limit.
FORBES: Heat Wave Sweeps U.S., Reminds Taxpayers of Value of Energy Credits
Other green building companies are expecting a market revival in 2012, as I wrote here about geothermal heat pump companies Waterfurnace Renewable Energy (TSX:WFI, OTC:WFIFF) and LSB Industries (NYSE:LXU).
FORBES: PFB Corp Integrates Upstream, Just in Time for Green Housing Market Upturn
At current electricity prices, an investment in a geothermal heat pump system can be paid off in less than eight years, says Trane, which like other energy service providers has seen a big uptick in interest for geothermal systems in recent years, from the military, schools, corporations and even residential customers.
And the cost curve of the collection technology solar panels, small and large wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps, small hydro, tidal and wave technology, biomass converters is following the same cost curve dynamics as when we went from centralized mainframe computers to desktop computers and from centralized telephone communication to distributed cell phone networks.
By tapping into underground volcanic heat, geothermal plants can generate almost limitless clean power.
Heat is geothermal, and the fireplaces are EPA approved.
FORBES: An Under-The-Radar Western Playground: Devil's Thumb Ranch In Colorado
As well as using wind turbines to provide electricity, and straw-burning plants to provide heating, some islanders have solar panels on their roofs and others warm their homes using geothermal energy and the heat given off by fresh cow's milk.
The technology paper covers 10 technologies: bioenergy for electricity and heat, biofuels, geothermal energy, hydropower, ocean energy, solar energy (PV, concentrating solar, and solar heating), and wind (onshore and offshore).
FORBES: International Energy Agency (Finally) Acknowledges Ascent of Renewable Energy Market
The 12, 700-square-foot Energy Star-certified house was crafted from low-toxic materials, withstood air tightness tests on the insulation, and has a water furnace geothermal system that provides hot water, radiant floor heat and air conditioning.
Geothermal technology uses energy in the earth's crust to heat water and buildings.
应用推荐