“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity – not a threat.”
Steve Jobs
What if natural gas utility companies helped lead the transition to renewable energy? This is exactly what an organization called the Home Energy Efficiency Team – HEET – proposes. Their solution, called the GeoGrid, is brilliant and innovative. I first learned about it through the Volts Podcast. It’s a fascinating listen.
The problem
Natural gas is now the biggest source of energy in the US. And while cleaner than coal or oil, it still contributes to climate change. In short, it releases CO2 when it burns, and also leaks methane into the atmosphere. Further, natural gas is increasingly expensive.
Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is a promising renewable solution already in use. Simply stated, it transforms heat from the Earth into energy. Then the energy can be used for electricity, heating, and cooling. Some benefits of geothermal are that it is:
- Renewable
- Clean
- Domestic
- Continuous (not reliant on the sun or the wind)
- Free of fossil fuels
Solution: GeoGrid
GeoGrid uses geothermal energy in a grid-like system of underground pipes, transporting water instead of gas. Each home or building has its own ground-source heat pump, but the pipes are interconnected in a modular fashion. Different modules can be clicked into the system as it grows.
A handful of pilot projects are underway, and several natural gas utility companies are exploring the concept. One unique aspect is GeoGrid incentivizes these companies to move to renewable energy. Because the GeoGrid model is good for their business. Another win-win.
GeoGrid has all the benefits of geothermal, plus it:
- Helps utility companies thrive in a sustainable way
- Creates jobs
- Saves money for customers
- Eliminates gas leaks
- Improves health
- Reduces methane in the atmosphere
I can’t wait to see the future of this cool innovation!
Let’s do something about climate change. Learn about it. Think about it. Talk about it.