The Environmental Impact of Geothermal Energy in Maryland

Did you know that you're standing on one of the most environmentally friendly resources for home heating and cooling? It’s true! The Earth acts as a natural solar collector, storing heat in the ground, which can then be harnessed to efficiently heat and cool almost any home or building.

The environmental benefits of geothermal energy are widely recognized, including by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has even called ground source heat pumps (geothermal heat pumps) the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available. By transferring the Earth’s thermal energy via the circulation of a refrigerant fluid, geothermal heat pumps operate without burning any fossil fuels, resulting in significantly lower emissions.

Because geothermal systems are 100% electric, they don’t produce harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or other greenhouse gases. In fact, geothermal heat pumps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 to 60 percent compared to standard air-source heat pumps.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Geothermal Technologies, nearly 40% of U.S. carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are caused by energy used for heating, cooling, and hot water in buildings—roughly the same as emissions from the transportation sector. Over the course of 20 years, using a geothermal heat pump could cut your carbon footprint, equating to the environmental benefits of planting 120,000 acres of trees or converting over 58,000 cars to zero-emission vehicles. Geothermal heat pumps consistently have the lowest CO2 emissions and environmental impact compared to other space conditioning technologies, as per the EPA’s evaluation.

Not only does geothermal help reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment, but it also ensures that your home remains safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient. In summary, geothermal heat pumps are a true "green" solution for heating and cooling your home.

Environmental Benefits

Geothermal energy offers significant environmental benefits in Maryland, particularly in reducing carbon emissions from heating and cooling systems. Geothermal energy systems rely on the earth’s constant temperature to heat and cool buildings, without burning fossil fuels. As a result, geothermal systems produce far fewer emissions compared to traditional heating methods.

Maryland lawmakers recently introduced House Bill 1007 to promote the use of geothermal energy by requiring that 1% of the state’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) come from geothermal energy by 2028. This bill aims to create a dedicated "carve-out" for geothermal energy, similar to existing carve-outs for solar and wind, and would significantly expand the use of geothermal systems in Maryland, potentially reducing 140,000 tons of carbon emissions annually.

Geothermal systems are highly efficient, and because they don't rely on burning fossil fuels, they produce only one-sixth of the carbon dioxide emissions that a natural gas power plant generates. This helps Maryland reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from buildings, which account for about 18% of the state's emissions.

By making geothermal energy more accessible and cost-effective through incentives and credits, such as Maryland Geothermal Renewable Energy Credits (GRECs), the state aims to reach its emission reduction goals. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to support job creation and low- to moderate-income communities by dedicating a portion of the geothermal carve-out to projects serving these areas.

Geothermal energy is an important part of Maryland’s clean energy future, helping to reduce emissions, improve indoor air quality, and create jobs, while providing a sustainable and renewable energy source for homes and businesses.

How Adopting Geothermal Energy Contributes to Reducing Carbon Footprints and Supports Maryland's Environmental Goals

Geothermal energy plays a significant role in helping Maryland reduce its carbon footprint and meet its ambitious environmental goals. By utilizing the natural heat stored beneath the Earth's surface, geothermal systems offer a highly efficient and renewable way to heat and cool buildings with minimal environmental impact.

Unlike conventional heating systems that rely on burning fossil fuels such as natural gas or oil, geothermal energy systems operate by using the constant temperature of the earth (around 55°F) to transfer heat. In winter, the geothermal heat pump extracts heat from the earth and distributes it within buildings, while in the summer, it works in reverse to cool indoor spaces. Because geothermal systems do not require combustion, they produce no direct emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) or nitrogen oxides (NOx), making them a cleaner and more sustainable energy option.

The reduction in carbon emissions is particularly important for Maryland, as the state has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2006 levels. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, geothermal systems can reduce carbon emissions by up to 70% when compared to traditional heating and cooling systems that rely on fossil fuels. This is critical for Maryland as the state works to decarbonize its buildings sector, which is responsible for around 18% of its total greenhouse gas emissions.

By expanding the use of geothermal energy, Maryland can make significant progress in meeting these emissions reduction targets. The state's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS), which already includes solar and wind energy, is being updated to include geothermal energy as part of its clean energy mix. House Bill 1007, recently introduced by state lawmakers, would create a "carve-out" for geothermal energy, ensuring that 1% of Maryland's energy portfolio comes from geothermal sources by 2028. This legislation will incentivize the adoption of geothermal energy and help grow the market for this renewable energy source.

In addition to reducing carbon emissions, geothermal energy contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment by lowering air pollution. Traditional fossil fuel-based heating systems release harmful pollutants into the air, which can exacerbate respiratory problems, contribute to smog formation, and contribute to climate change. By shifting to geothermal systems, Maryland can reduce the state's reliance on fossil fuels and minimize the health impacts associated with air pollution.

As more homeowners, businesses, and organizations adopt geothermal energy, the demand for this clean energy source will grow, supporting both environmental sustainability and economic development. Geothermal energy projects also offer long-term financial savings by reducing energy bills, which further incentivizes their adoption.

By embracing geothermal energy, Maryland is taking an essential step toward reducing its carbon footprint, improving air quality, and supporting its environmental goals of a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Interested in Geothermal Systems?

For expert guidance, cost estimates, and installation services, contact Maryland Geothermal today! Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding geothermal installations in Maryland. Contact us by phone (703) 719-8409 or email jake@northamericangeo.com.

Maryland Geothermal proudly serves communities across both Prince George and Montgomery counties, including Bowie, College Park, Greenbelt, Laurel, Hyattsville, Upper Marlboro, Glenarden, New Carrollton, District Heights, Mount Rainier, Riverdale Park, Seat Pleasant, Berwyn Heights, Bladensburg, Brentwood, Capitol Heights, Cheverly, Edmonston, Fairmount Heights, Forest Heights, Landover, Landover Hills, North Brentwood, North Bethesda, Mitchellville, Olney, Fort Washington, Glenn Dale, Bethesda, Clarksburg, Kensignton, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Darnestown, Chevy Chase, and Potomac.