Heating and cooling accounts for 40 percent to 50 percent of power consumption in non-residential buildings. This highlights the urgent need to increase the overall energy efficiency in these buildings; geothermal heating and cooling technologies may hold the key.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan’s Analysis of the North American Geothermal Heating and Cooling Market research, finds the market earned revenue of $102.8 million in 2012 and estimates this to reach $147.6 million in 2017.
The report is split between open-loop and closed-loop geothermal heat-pumps segments. The analysis provides revenue forecasts for the total market and considers the various drivers and restraints that affect the market in North America. In addition, revenue forecasts for each market segment, distribution channel and vertical markets are provided as is an analysis of the competitive landscape. The study period for this research service is 2009-17; the base year is 2012.
“Geothermal heating and cooling is an excellent way to conserve energy while employing the earth as the chief energy transfer base,” says Frost & Sullivan Energy and Environment Industry Manager Konkana Khaund. “Despite its huge initial costs, its higher energy efficiency and long-term cost savings are capturing the attention of environmentally conscious end users.”
The geothermal heating and cooling market in North America will get a boost from legislation in areas such as the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which mandate at least a 30 percent increase in energy efficiency over existing levels. However, the market is reined back by the high capital required to install the technology.
“Non-residential users are in a better position to invest the capital and gain strong returns on investments in just a couple of years,” notes Senior Industry Analyst Anu Cherian. “However, most end users are inclined toward ‘short termism’ and do not perceive the long-term benefits of investing in this technology.”
Apart from tight spending from end users, the highly competitive geothermal heating and cooling market is also challenged by price wars. To differentiate, manufacturers need to educate their potential end users about the life-cycle cost savings that can be accrued by investing in geothermal technologies. Installing such environment-friendly products will also make building owners eligible for tax rebates and incentives.
Overall, geothermal heating and cooling technology’s standout benefits are expected to attract customers from across segments. Some of these benefits include long life cycles, reliability, decrease in energy cost, the ability to comply with energy-efficiency requirements and the positive impact on the environment.
Analysis of the North American Geothermal Heating and Cooling Market is part of the Energy and Environment Growth Partnership Service program, which also includes: Analysis of the North American HVAC Equipment Market, European Energy Saving Contract and Performance Contracting Market, Analysis of Fire and Safety Market in India, and European Building Automation Systems Market. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
Geothermal systems have the potential to save lots of energy but must be installed by contractors who are experienced in this field, I have seen some disasters; mostly not enough wells per ton.
The potential energy savings are also site dependent. On the gulf coast the ground temperatures even at 200′ deep are not nearly as low as 200 miles inland.
I think that the best location would be in an area that uses about as much cooling BTUs as heating BTU’s on a yearly average, and has a ground temperature at depth of below 60 degrees F.