What is Geothermal Energy?
From the Greek geo (earth) and thermos (hot), geothermal energy refers to both the science of the internal thermal phenomena of the earth, as well as to the industrial processes that exploit the heat produced by those phenomena
Geothermal energy is an alternative to fossil fuels (oil, gas). It does not require transportation or storage and is one of the most affordable, renewable and local forms of energy.
The vast majority of existing homes with a central heat distribution system can be converted to geothermal energy. Currently, geothermal energy is virtually unknown in Québec: less than 1% of households use this type of energy. Marmott Énergies aims to increase that percentage and to drastically reduce the number of households heated by fuel oil, of which there are currently 300,000 (127,000 diesel / electricity / fuel oil and 175,000 fuel oil only).
The Government of Québec has set ambitious targets for combating climate change with its new Energy Policy 2030, which places energy efficiency and renewable energy among Québec's energy priorities. Geothermal energy entirely aligns with these priorities as it has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2 million tonnes, including nearly half a tonne in the great city of Montreal! This is equivalent to removing the emissions of 500,000 cars or 4 times the emissions of the Alcan plant.
Geothermal energy is simple and efficient
- Proximity between the source of supply and the user;
- Renewable energy using the sun's rays meaning it is safe and does not use any fuel;
- Sustainable and ecological equipment;
- Unmatched comfort in all seasons;
- Versatile as it provides air conditioning and heating;
- Space saving by freeing the space occupied by your furnace and oil tank;
- Discreet - much quieter than outdoor heat pumps, which have a short lifetime and are unsightly.
How does geothermal energy work?
Geothermal energy systems extract the thermal energy stored in the soil near your residence and use that energy for heating and cooling. That thermal energy originally comes from the sun. In the St. Lawrence Valley region, for example, the temperature of the subsoil, winter and summer, is around 8 ° C.
- Small pipes are inserted into the ground at depths of 50 to 600 feet. A heat transfer fluid circulates in these pipes.
- An ultra quiet heat pump installed in your basement absorbs the thermal energy from the soil and transfers that energy through your existing distribution system.
- All that remains is to adjust the thermostat to the desired temperature to obtain an unmatched comfort, with no unpleasant drafts.