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:
- Aquaculture Information Package
- Direct Heat Utilization of Geothermal Resources
- The Economics of Connecting of Small Buildings to Geothermal District Heating Systems
- Geothermal Greenhouse Information Package
Financing
U.S. Department of Agriculture: Rural Energy for America Program
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 Renewables and Efficiency
Provides information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.
