Geothermal energy wasted

The use of energy to mitigate cold or heat consumes large amounts of resources and it is estimated that the generation and dissipation of heat represents the majority of the energy demand in the West. This represents 47% of the energy consumed in all of Europe, says Gustavo Copelmayer. It is estimated that 81% of the demand for heat and cooling is satisfied through the consumption of fossil fuels.

“One of the energies currently being researched is the so-called geothermal energy. According to the US environmental protection agency, geothermal energy is one of the most efficient technologies for air-conditioned buildings”, says Gustavo Copelmayer.

“Geothermal energy refers to the thermal energy contained in geological materials, basically rocks and groundwater, and its direct use to air-condition interiors”, explains Gustavo Copelmayer. Geothermal takes advantage of the “cellar effect” (constant temperature throughout the year) and is used in the same way to generate cold or heat.

It is renewable energy and could reduce the use of fossil fuels as primary energy. “Although it is the most environmentally and energy efficient technology, it has not been able to be implemented on a massive scale due to its high initial cost”, Gustavo Copelmayer concludes.