Arkansas is aptly nicknamed The Natural State, from the majestic Ozark Mountains to the incredibly diverse collection of thermal springs, lush forests and flowing rivers. The abundance of hot springs in the area showcases the geothermal energy potential, which will be vital as residents transition to clean, sustainable power generation.
If you’ve ever observed an active volcano or steaming water puddles at the Hot Springs National Park, you’ve seen geothermal energy in action. Deep below the Earth is a layer of hot molten rock, which heats groundwater, creating steam and hot water, which rises through cracks in the ground. Once it reaches the surface, this fluid is harnessed to power the electricity turbines.
Geothermal energy is considered renewable because the Earth continuously produces heat. This stable supply makes it a more reliable power generation resource than other clean energy sources like wind and solar. Modern systems have zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and have up to 20 times lower lifecycle emissions than natural gas.
Geothermal heat pumps facilitate the transfer of heat from within the Earth to and from a building as the seasons change. That means the pump moves heat from the ground into your home during winter and transports it away during summer. The Department of Energy estimates these systems could sustainably heat and cool over 40 million U.S. homes by 2050.
Geothermal electricity generation remains a relatively untapped resource in Arkansas, as hydroelectric, solar and biomass energy systems currently dominate the state’s renewable energy portfolio.
However, plans are underway to implement next-generation geothermal technologies across the southern states of Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. This project would expand the scope of geothermal generation across the regions and increase the total capacity from roughly 3,700 megawatts to 90,000 MW by 2050. Developing and deploying innovative energy storage solutions could ramp up this supply to 300,000 MW.
Residents can implement geothermal energy systems in Arkansas. You’ll need to contact local geothermal installers to have them assess your home’s unique installation requirements. These are the biggest considerations in any geothermal project:
Installing a geothermal energy system is not a DIY project. It requires specialized knowledge of subsurface engineering and condition monitoring. Knowing what to look for in a ground source technology installer is essential to selecting the right service provider. These include:
There are several geothermal energy installers in Arkansas. The one you hire will likely depend on their availability in your area.
Rood Inc. is based in Russellville but serves various cities across the state, including Little Rock, Convey and Jonesboro. The company has been in business for nearly 50 years and provides geothermal installation, repair and maintenance services.
If you live in Magnolia or its surrounding areas, South Arkansas Sales and Service Co Inc may be worth considering. The company provides all-in-one geothermal heat pump solutions with stellar parts and labor warranties.
Dr. Energy Saver offers complete home energy audits, ground source system installations and HVAC systems across Northwest Arkansas. These projects encompass new constructions and retrofit applications depending on individual requirements.
There are many benefits and downsides to expect when investing in geothermal systems.
The most obvious benefit is cost savings. Geothermal systems transfer underground heat energy rather than create it, making them more efficient in power generation and can significantly reduce energy consumption. According to the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, these systems can lower utility bills by up to 70% without compromising indoor comfort. These systems are quieter than conventional HVAC technologies and typically have longer life spans.
Geothermal energy is also a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, which is essential for decreasing your home’s carbon footprint. Lastly, ground source systems work well in just about every climate, unlike solar and wind, which depend on the year-round availability of natural resources to provide clean energy.
The biggest drawback to installing a geothermal system is the initial cost. Expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 to install a ground-source heat pump and related accessories for your home.
The installation process might also involve significant alterations to subterranean configurations, which may have long-term effects on the area’s geology.
Nevertheless, the potential benefits outweigh the risks, making geothermal installations worthwhile. Additionally, you may be eligible for federal, state and local tax credits and other rebates that will make project costs more manageable.
Geothermal systems are cost-effective, produce stable electricity, and have minimal environmental impact. Arkansas’s unique landscape provides a prime opportunity to mainstream this energy resource for supplying electricity to homes and businesses. Talk to your local ground source heat pump installer about tapping into the immense benefits of these systems and supporting the green energy movement.