Geothermal Energy: Outlook Limited for Some Uses but Promising for Geothermal Heat Pumps
RCED-94-84
Published: Jun 03, 1994. Publicly Released: Jul 01, 1994.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the potential uses of geothermal energy for electrical generation, direct-use applications, and geothermal heat pumps, focusing on: (1) the obstacles to development; (2) industry and government efforts to overcome these obstacles; and (3) the environmental effects of geothermal production.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | Because of the significant economic and environmental benefits that geothermal heat pumps may provide, the Secretary of Energy should establish, under existing DOE authority, a program to promote them as a tool for energy-efficient heating and cooling. |
Closed – Implemented
DOE's September 13, 1994, response to the House and Senate committees stated that it concurred with the GAO recommendations concerning the promotion of geothermal heat pumps as a tool for energy efficient heating and cooling. According to the DOE geothermal heat pump program manager, DOE is participating in a collaborative effort with industry stakeholders to promote a significant increase in their use. The manager said that DOE's funding for geothermal heat pumps increased from about $500,000 in fiscal year 1994 to $6 million in fiscal year 1995 with $4.5 million requested for fiscal year 1996, with the possibility of being increased to $7 million. The private sector's share of the program is approximately double the DOE share.
|
| Department of Energy | The Secretary of Energy should gather and disseminate information on geothermal heat pumps so that utilities, contractors, and consumers will be aware of their benefits. |
Closed – Implemented
DOE's September 13, 1994, response to the House and Senate committees stated that it concurred with the GAO recommendations concerning the promotion of geothermal heat pumps as a tool for energy efficient heating and cooling. According to the DOE geothermal heat pump program manager, DOE is participating in a collaborative effort with industry stakeholders to promote a significant increase in their use. The manager said that DOE funding for geothermal heat pumps increased from about $500,000 in fiscal year 1994 to $6 million in fiscal year 1995 with $4.5 million requested for fiscal year 1996, with the possibility of being increased to $7 million. The private sector's share of the program is approximately double the DOE share.
|
| Department of Energy | The Secretary of Energy should establish, to the extent feasible, regional demonstration centers to provide information, training, and technical assistance to architects, designers, engineers, and contractors on geothermal heat pumps. |
Closed – Implemented
DOE's September 13, 1994, response to the House and Senate committees stated that it concurred with the GAO recommendations concerning the promotion of geothermal heat pumps as a tool for energy efficient heating and cooling. According to the DOE geothermal heat pump program manager, DOE is participating in a collaborative effort with industry stakeholders to promote a significant increase in their use. The manager said that DOE funding for geothermal heat pumps increased from about $500,000 in fiscal year 1994 to $6 million in fiscal year 1995 with $4.5 million requested for fiscal year 1996, with the possibility of being increased to $7 million. The private sector's share of the program is approximately double the DOE share.
|
| Department of Energy | The Secretary of Energy should contact state regulators and utilities and encourage them to adopt conservation programs that will promote such energy-saving technologies as geothermal heat pumps. |
Closed – Implemented
DOE's September 13, 1994, response to the House and Senate committees stated that it concurred with the GAO recommendations concerning the promotion of geothermal heat pumps as a tool for energy efficient heating and cooling. According to the DOE geothermal heat pump program manager, DOE is participating in a collaborative effort with industry stakeholders to promote a significant increase in their use. The manager said that DOE funding for geothermal heat pumps increased from about $500,000 in fiscal year 1994 to $6 million in fiscal year 1995 with $4.5 million requested for fiscal year 1996, with the possibility of being increased to $7 million. The private sector's share of the program is approximately double the DOE share.
|
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Topics
Alternative energy sourcesCost effectiveness analysisElectric power generationElectric utilitiesEnergy researchGeothermal energyGeothermal resourcesRenewable energy sourcesResearch and development costsHeating