Prepared by
Patrick J. Hughes
Energy and Transportation Science Division

Sponsored by
EERE Geothermal Technologies Program
U.S. Department of Energy

Abstract
More effective stewardship of our resources contributes to the security, environmental
sustainability, and economic well-being of the nation. Buildings present one of the best
opportunities to economically reduce energy consumption and limit greenhouse gas
emissions. Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs), sometimes called ground-source heat pumps,
have been proven capable of producing large reductions in energy use and peak demand
in buildings. However, GHPs have received little attention at the policy level as an
important component of a national strategy. Have policymakers mistakenly overlooked
GHPs, or are GHPs simply unable to make a major contribution to the national goals for
various reasons? This brief study was undertaken at DOE’s request to address this
conundrum. The scope of the study includes determining the status of global GHP
markets and the status of the GHP industry and technology in the United States,
assembling previous estimates of GHP energy savings potential, identifying key barriers
to application of GHPs, and identifying actions that could accelerate market adoption of
GHPs. The findings are documented in this report along with conclusions and
recommendations.