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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 3, 2023 08:05 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Christopher M. Rabb and Rep. Dave Madsen |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Studying the feasibility of geothermal micro-districts |
| The climate crisis has caused many governmental entities, utility companies and other businesses to rethink their energy sources and transition from the use of fossil fuels to more energy efficient sources. Advancements in clean energy technology have led many to consider utilizing geothermal energy systems, which produce carbon-free power by harnessing the earth’s heat from far below the ground. Geothermal technology, commonly referred to as ground-source heat pump technology, consists of running pipes filled with antifreeze liquid as far as 500 feet into the ground, a depth at which the temperature is relatively stable. Heat is then extracted from the earth and carried through the liquid-filled pipes to buildings. Conversely, on hot days, a heat pump can be used to extract heat energy from the air in a building and transfer it into the liquid in the pipes, which then travels downward where the heat is dispersed into the ground. Although geothermal technology produces clean energy, installing geothermal systems on property can be expensive. This poses a significant financial barrier to many household sand makes widespread adoption of these efficient energy systems difficult. However, the concept of geothermal micro-districts could provide a means to overcome these financial barriers. Geothermal micro-districts allow multiple customers to be connected to a shared loop system, which significantly reduces energy costs, since the costs are spread out and evenly shared. This can be especially beneficial in densely populated areas, including communities of color. We will be introducing a resolution that would direct the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on the feasibility of constructing geothermal systems in densely populated locations of the Commonwealth. We hope you will join us in bringing attention to this emerging technology, which could better the lives of Pennsylvanians and help to protect the environment. |
Introduced as HR266