Laserfiche WebLink
XCEL ENERGY WORD DOCUMENT TITLE 5 <br /> <br /> <br />© 2024 Xcel Energy Inc. <br />To maintain an adequate working temperature, the central geothermal loop must absorb <br />thermal energy from the ground at the same rate as each connected building extracts <br />thermal energy from the loop to heat or cool the facility. The geothermal loop relies o n <br />boreholes to absorb energy from the ground. Boreholes are vertical holes drilled into the <br />ground to access heat stored in the rock. They are used to transfer heat between the <br />ground and the central water loop. <br />The central loop component is key to the efficiency and performance of networked <br />geothermal systems. It allows connected heat pumps to operate at optimal conditions, <br />regardless of the outdoor air temperature. It also enables the system to balance heating <br />and cooling loads among different buildings, reducing the overall energy consumption <br />and costs. <br />WHY IS XCEL ENERGY PURSUING NETWORKED GEOTHERMAL <br />SYSTEMS? <br />THE SHORT ANSWER <br />The Natural Gas Innovation Act (NGIA) in Minnesota establishes a framework for <br />natural gas utilities to meet the state's greenhouse gas reduction and renewable energy <br />goals through innovative resources. These resources include biogas, renewable natural <br />gas, power-to-hydrogen, power-to-ammonia, carbon capture, strategic electrification, <br />district energy, and energy efficiency. The NGIA allows utilities to pilot these <br />technologies to reduce emissions and transition away from conventional natural gas. <br />The act aims to help Minnesota achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050. <br />As a leader in clean energy innovation, Xcel Energy is dedicated to supporting the <br />development of Thermal Energy Networks in our service area. <br />THE LONG ANSWER <br />Xcel Energy has a vision to provide 100% carbon-free electricity and net-zero <br />greenhouse gas emissions from its natural gas business by 2050. <br />Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) can offer a new clean energy option for customers. <br />(1) TENs electrify customers’ space heating and cooling needs while <br />protecting customers from high heating costs. On the coldest days of the <br />year, TENs pull heat out of the ground which is 2.4x more efficient than pulling <br />heat out of air. This saves customers’ money on their heating bills and also <br />mitigates a massive amount of electric infrastructure that would be required to <br />serve air source heat pumps.