Geothermal Direct Use for Farmers and Ranchers
Low-grade geothermal wells provide heat and water for this greenhouse in Colorado, which grows hydroponic tomatoes.
The following resources will help you learn more about the direct use of geothermal energy and its applications on farms and ranches. If you are unfamiliar with this technology, see the introduction to geothermal direct use.
Research and Commercial Opportunities
U.S. Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Program: Direct Use
Basic information about the direct use of geothermal energy.
Oregon Institute of Technology: Geo-Heat Center
Features information on research in geothermal direct-use technologies, including maps and the following publications available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs, Download Adobe Reader:
- Aquaculture Information Package (PDF 441 KB)
- Direct Heat Utilization of Geothermal Resources (PDF 383 KB)
- The Economics of Connecting of Small Buildings to Geothermal District Heating Systems (PDF 126 KB)
- Geothermal Greenhouse Information Package (PDF 3.60 MB)
Harvesting Clean Energy
Features information on renewable energy technologies, like geothermal direct use, for rural landowners, including farms, ranches, and communities.
Financing
U.S. Department of Agriculture 2002 Farm Bill: Section 9006
A grant and loan program to help farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses invest in energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies.
U.S. Department of Energy Financial Opportunities
Offers financial assistance opportunities for the development and demonstration of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies.
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
Provides information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.
