The heat under your feet
In MWh per capita Iceland, Sweden and Norway rank as the top three geothermal countries in the world. While Iceland is well known for their expertise in geothermal energy, you may be surprised to hear that Norway has an impressive track record when it comes to shallow thermal energy.
Heating and cooling. The old paper mill in Drammen, Norway, has turned into a innovative hub with researchers, creative industries, a high school and a library. Largely heated by geothermal. (Photo: Jon-Eric Melsæter)
Always there
- What’s great about geothermal energy is that it is a renewable energy source that is there when you need it, says Kirsti Midttømme from the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute.
- It is not dependent on weather conditions such as clear skies og strong winds to be harnessed.
Shallow thermal energy utilizes the stored heat in the ground or in the groundwater. A geothermal heat pump pumps heat to or from the ground. It uses the earth as a heat source (in the winter) or a heat sink (in the summer). This design takes advantage of the moderate temperatures in the ground to boost efficiency and reduce the operational costs of heating and cooling systems.
In Norway you find some of the largest shallow thermal energy system in europe:
Nydalen Energisentral produces 50 % of the energy needed in Nydalen business and residential area just outside Oslo. This system heats and cools a hotel, a college, several appartment blocks and commercial buildings. In 2007 this system saved 3000 tons of CO2. It consists of 180 wells, drilled 200 meters deep, producing 9,5 MW of heat and 7 MW of cooling. It was supported by NOK 11 million by the government.
Akershus University Hospital has 228 wells producing 8 MW cooling and 28 MW heating.
The national football arena in Norway, Ullevål Stadium, has 120 wells producing 4 MW.
The Oslo airport Gardermoen has eight wells producing 8 MW. The investment paid itself already after two years.
The 20 000 square meter Papirbredden in Drammen – a unique environment of knowledge offering University College education, R&D activities, Library, knowledge-based companies and innovation partners - has 6 wells running 300 meters deep. The system saves 710.000 kWh in energy annually, and the investment will pay itself after 4,1 year according to the developer.
Still, the potential in this resource is relatively unknown in Norway, compared to wind and solar. Maybe it is because all the large installations are well hidden under ground. Out of sight and out of thought.
- I have spoken to developers who wonder if it is possible to make the technology more visible. Maybe with a window in the ground of some kind, says Midttønne.
The potential of geothermal is enormous, even compared to all other renewable resources. We have barely scratched the surface.
Companies scratching the surface:
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