Printer-friendlyGeothermal Energy
Geothermal systems transfer heat back and forth between indoor spaces and the earth. This technology can be used for both heating and air conditioning.
Although New York lacks traditional geothermal energy sources (volcanoes, geysers or hot springs), geothermal technology works here because the earth's crust generally remains close enough to comfortable indoor temperature for efficient heat transfer. Geothermal systems could eliminate the need to burn oil, gas or coal to create heat, and, according to the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, and are 25 to 40 percent more efficient than other heating and cooling systems.
DEC's Division of Mineral Resources regulates the drilling, construction, operation and plugging of geothermal wells drilled deeper than 500 feet below the earths surface.
