Earth

The core of the earth generates a tremendous amount of heat that can be used for domestic use, and even electricity in larger facilities. Generally there are two methods of using the earth to provide this free heat.

Geothermal taps into natural geysers, hot springs and steam vents that occurring when ground water comes in contact with volcanically heated rocks. Most geothermal facilities are located along active fault lines, such as in the Rocky Mountains, where facilities produce 100 Megawatts of electricity or more. The Maritime Provinces, however, do not have enough geological activity to be a viable site for geothermal facilities.

This geyser shows the power
of heat trapped in the earth.

Ground Source Heat Pumps works much like a refrigerator using a refrigerant, compressor and lengths of sealed tubes to gather and disperse heat. Two meters beneath the surface, the temperature remains generally constant throughout the year. The heat pump takes heat from the ground and brings it into a house to heat space or domestic water.

This picture shows a vertical arrangement
for a ground source heat pump.

You can find more information on our Earth Energy page, or by checking out the link on the right side of the page.