Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is derived from the rock and fluid in the earth's crust. Many of the western United States, including Colorado, lie atop shallow and vast supplyies of this thermal energy. Currently, the U.S. generates 2,200 megawatts of geothermal energy. Used directly as a heat source, and indirectly to power heat pumps or power plants, geothermal energy has found its way into both private and industrial applications. Although geothermal energy ranks third among renewables, we have not yet tapped its full potential.

Geo-exchange is also a valuable energy resource that utilizes natural ground temperature to dissipate heat in the summer and conversely collect heat from the ground in the cold winter months.  There are two major types of systems used; vertical loops – using closed loop wells,  and horizontal systems that collects or dissipates btu’s through pipe laid vertically under a field, parking lot underground or laid in a bottom of a pond.