Renewable thermal energy

Renewable thermal energy is a way to collect heat from natural sources for use right away or to save for later. It uses sources that can be used again and again, like the sun or the earth, to provide warmth and heat for many things.

The sun is the most common source of renewable thermal energy. Solar collectors catch the sun's warmth to heat water, warm buildings, heat swimming pools, and power many processes. This helps us use clean energy instead of fuels that can run out.

Another example is a geothermal or ground source heat pump. This system takes heat stored in the ground from the summer and uses it to warm buildings during colder months. The heat from the earth is a reliable source because it comes back every year, making it a good way to heat homes and spaces without using as much pollution.

History of Renewable Thermal Systems

Solar energy has been used for hundreds of years to heat homes and make hot water, long before cheap natural gas was found. People paid more attention to solar heating after an oil shortage in 1973, when engineers looked for ways to use energy from the sun instead of fossil fuels.

Using the ground as a heat source is a newer idea. It has become more popular, especially in places far from natural gas supplies. The Earth’s surface keeps a steady temperature, similar to the average air temperature in that area. This temperature balance comes from sunlight, heat from deep inside the Earth, and heat loss from processes like evaporation. A map shows this average ground temperature across the United States.

Types

Renewable thermal energy uses natural sources to heat water, buildings, and more. The most common way is using the sun's energy with special collectors that capture heat.

Another method uses the Earth's natural warmth. In summer, heat from the ground is stored and used later in winter to warm buildings.

Policy by geography

New York State

In September 2015, New York State created a new position called Director of Renewable Thermal. This person leads a team that helps businesses create and use systems for clean heating and cooling. New York sees this as important for making buildings that use as much energy as they make, helping the state reach its clean energy goals.

Many states include renewable thermal energy in their plans for clean energy. These plans usually focus on electricity, but some now include heating from the sun, plants, and the earth. Renewable thermal energy helps improve air quality, create jobs, and make communities more secure in their energy use. One report noted that traditional heating methods in New York contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.