The past 12 months saw continued economic challenges for many American industries, including those in the renewable energy field, but the country’s geothermal community witnessed a year of growth, both domestically and abroad, according to the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA).

It was a good year for geothermal, and much of that credit must go to Doug Dougherty and his staff at the Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO). Well, if you can call the 1.5 people working for the GEO president and CEO his “staff.” Those accomplishments are the reason Dougherty was named a 2012 NEWSmaker.

The Tranquility® 22 Two-Stage Compact (TY) Series water-source heat pumps exceed ASHRAE 90.1 efficiencies with two-stage operation. They also use EarthPure® (HFC-410A) zero ozone depletion refrigerant. They are available in sizes 2 through 5 tons with multiple cabinet options (vertical upflow and horizontal).

The question arises from time to time in building industry blogs about whether or not geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) are a source of renewable energy. So where do they fit? 

The gently sloping, ridge-defined agricultural area in East Drumore, Pa., is known for its 200-year-old barns and local Amish farmers who still plow fields with horse teams. But this township, located in the Southeast corner of the state, is embarking on a mission to modernize its infrastructure. What is its latest endeavor?

Wolff Brother Supply Inc. recently welcomed contractors from all over Ohio to its Geo Expo. The event, held in Medina, Ohio, was put on with the help of ClimateMaster.

What were geothermal aficionados from nine states and Canada and a wide assortment of HVAC trucks and vans jammed into a field at the Oregon Dairy near Lancaster County, central Pennsylvania?

Championed by the new California Geothermal Heat Pump Lobby Coalition (CalGeo), AB 2339 passed in the Senate on Aug. 28 with a 36-0 vote then returned to the Assembly the following day where it also passed unanimously with a 79-0 vote.