The Michigan Department of the Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is working to make companies more aware of renewable and clean energy alternatives in what it calls the Clean Energy Assets Roadmap. This is part of Governor Whitmer’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 as part of the state’s MI Healthy Climate Plan.
Most attention is paid to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. But in fact, it is a waste of energy if it is not used effectively. This is where geothermal energy comes in.
“Geothermal power will be one of the keys to meeting the plan’s carbon reduction targets,” said Loch McCabe, Centrepolis Accelerator Resident Expert at Lawrence Tech.
While people can see solar panels or wind turbines, geothermal infrastructure cannot be seen or remembered, he said.
“Geothermal energy is in the ground. You know people don’t see it. Perhaps your neighbor has geothermal energy. You won’t know about it,” McCabe said.
Fluid flowing through the pipes captures the temperature of the soil deep underground, which is then converted by a heat pump to heat in winter or cool in summer. It is much more efficient than a gas oven or an electric air conditioner.
There are 40,000 geothermal wells in Michigan, according to McCabe. Some of them heat and cool famous buildings such as the Michigan State Capitol.
“The industry has come a long way, but it is still not as developed as many other industries,” he said.
EGLE is working with partners like McCabe to help expand the use of geothermal energy for commercial and industrial purposes.
Post time: Feb-16-2023