Did you know? Geothermal Energy Can Not Only Heat but Also Cool
When people talk about geothermal energy, most think of heating: cozy warmth in winter, a path away from fossil fuels, and stable energy costs. But geothermal systems can also cool buildings—an advantage that matters as heat waves become more frequent. M&P Energy – part of SIERA designs and delivers near-surface geothermal solutions end-to-end, from consultation and feasibility studies through design simulation, permitting, and commissioning, plus ongoing monitoring and optimization—exactly the kind of expertise that turns year-round comfort into a dependable reality.
Constant Temperatures in the Ground
Just a few meters below the surface, temperatures remain nearly constant across the year—typically around 10–15 °C. In winter, heat pumps lift this low-grade heat for indoor heating; in summer, the process reverses, sending indoor heat back into the ground. The subsurface thus acts as a seasonal thermal store, supporting both heating and cooling cycles.
Two Ways to Cool
Passive Cooling (free cooling)
Room heat is routed directly into the ground using circulation pumps and simple controls—minimal energy input, highly efficient for mild to moderate cooling loads.
Active Cooling via the Heat Pump
A reversible heat pump moves heat from rooms into the ground, much like an AC—but typically at higher efficiency. While it draws more electricity than passive cooling, it remains far more economical than conventional chillers and is scarcely limited in output.
A Practical Example
For a new car dealership in Hanover, M&P Energy planned a geothermal probe field beneath future parking areas to cover the site’s entire heating and cooling demand. The 24 probes (total drilling length 3,360 m, each 140 m deep) work with a reversible brine heat pump; surplus PV electricity in summer drives active cooling, while the ground serves as a seasonal thermal store. Temperatures in the subsurface are continuously measured to meet regulatory requirements—showcasing how geothermal couples comfort, compliance, and carbon reduction in a single system.
Services that De-risk Your Project
Geothermal success starts with robust site analysis and feasibility. M&P Energy supports clients with enhanced geothermal response testing (eGRT), thermohydrodynamic modeling, design simulation of underground storage, cost and profitability analysis, funding advice, approval management, tendering, construction supervision, and plant optimization—so systems deliver as modeled over decades.
Why Geothermal Cooling Pays Off
- High energy efficiency: Both passive and active modes use much less electricity than conventional AC.
- Lower operating costs: Efficient cooling and heat recovery reduce bills over the long term.
- Climate protection: Shifts demand to renewable, site-sourced energy with minimal direct emissions.
- System longevity: Seasonal regeneration of the ground stabilizes performance for 50+ years.
- Scalability: From single buildings to districts, feasibility studies and staged planning help right-size solutions—an approach M&P Energy and the wider M&P Group have refined through near-surface geothermal projects and early-phase studies.
Conclusion
Geothermal energy is more than a renewable heat source, it’s an all-rounder for year-round well-being. With specialist partners like M&P Energy – part of SIERA providing end-to-end planning, permitting, and optimization, buildings can enjoy cozy warmth in winter and efficient cooling in summer; quietly, cleanly, and cost-effectively.
Ready for year-round comfort? Talk to M&P Energy about geothermal heating and cooling today.
