Geothermal

Geothermal energy is a well established technology, but it has not been widely implemented. It works on the basic principle of utilizing the earth or bodies of water to provide heat or cooling. Geothermal is used in residential, commercial and industrial applications.

According to Natural Resources Canada, the operating costs of geothermal systems are much lower than the costs to operate a combustion furnace with an air conditioning unit. Certainly, the cost to install a complete earth energy system can be higher than the cost to install furnace and air conditioning unit. On average, a geothermal or earth energy system can save two-thirds of the cost to heat and cool with electricity.

Nova Scotia has been a world leader in large scale geothermal with three highly visible large scale projects successfully implemented in recent years. Springhill utilizes the hot water generated from the abandoned mine nearby. Cold water from Halifax Harbour is used to cool the Purdy’s Wharf towers. And the Alderney Landing development with a local apartment building implemented geothermal energy in their operations. The Alderney Landing development in Dartmouth won awards for using both geothermal heat and cooling from Halifax harbour.

Learn more about the geothermal applications at the Government of Canada’s Natural Resources web site.

The Case for 100% Renewable in Nova Scotia

Geothermal could play an important role in ending our dependence on fossil fuels and making the switch to a system based solely on mixed renewable energy. To learn more about a 100% renewable energy strategy for Nova Scotia, check out our 2008 submission to the Department of Energy, Renewed Energy Strategy + Climate Action Plan consultations. Download 2008 Submission Document.