Energy Beneath the Backyard: Global Geothermal Heat Pump Market 2009

Geothermal energy is a vast, renewable, low carbon energy source that can be converted to electricity and used to condition building environments. Almost everywhere on the planet, within the upper 10 feet of the earth' s surface, a nearly constant temperature of 50 to 60oF (10 to 16oC) is maintained. A geothermal heat pump (GHP) consists of a network of piping or tubing buried in shallow ground near the building, which can tap this free, year-round reservoir of constant temperature.

Geothermal heat pumps can access the moderate temperatures just beneath the earth' s surface and use it to heat and cool homes or commercial buildings. Since the source of energy for this use is found all over the world, this technology can be utilized virtually anywhere on the planet and is not dependent on accessing the extremely hot water and steam deeper inside the earth in the hot zones.

Current usage of geothermal heat pumps is limited. Out of the two million heat pumps installed in the United States each year, just over 2 percent are geothermal. However, increased development of geothermal technology will improve its acceptance and use by governments, other organizations, developers and homeowners.

Geothermal heat pumps offer a number of advantages over traditional heating and cooling methods, namely:

• Reliable
• Renewable (self-replenishing natural resource)
• Combustion-Free
• Virtually zero Emissions
• No contribution to global warming
• Local Availability (no fuel or transportation expense)

However, the systems are higher priced than traditional air-source heat pumps and installation can be substantially higher in cost due to the length of pipe that is usually required to be installed underground.

In spite of the higher cost and land requirements, geothermal energy is becoming an attractive solution as the global demand for clean, reliable, renewable energy increases. This is true not only in the United States, but at numerous locations on six continents.

The total market for U.S. GHPs in 2009 is estimated to be about $3.7 billion dollars, including equipment and installation cost (and not reduced by government or other incentives). PMG expects a high growth rate to continue for a few years and by 2013 PMG projects the U.S. geothermal heat pump market to almost triple in value.

Energy Beneath the Backyard presents a firm understanding of the technical, economic, and market potential for geothermal heat pumps. Such an understanding is required to assist decision makers in the identification of the most efficient use of resources. Both historical and projected metrics will be gathered to determine technology improvements and commercialization opportunities. The report will conduct analyses of market, policy, and technology status by evaluating the impacts of research and testing options. Additionally, results of the analyses will provide information to researchers, policy makers, and investors on areas to target for greater cost reduction and market transformation.

Energy Beneath the Backyard contains comprehensive data on the U.S. and global geothermal heat pump market, including historical (2004- 2008) and forecast (2009- 2013) market size data in terms of number and dollar value of unit shipments. The report identifies key trends affecting the marketplace and significant drivers of growth, and includes profiles of major marketers and producers.

The information in Energy Beneath the Backyard is based on primary and secondary research. Primary research includes in-depth interviews with companies and associations involved in the industry to obtain information on market size, technology, and industry growth. Secondary research drew from energy and industry publications, newspapers, periodicals, company literature and websites, annual reports, conference proceedings, and data from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Census Bureau, along with information from trade associations such as the Geothermal Energy Association, U.S. Department of Energy, business journals, and research services such as Hoover' s and OneSource.

• Closed Loop - Horizontal
• Closed Loop - Vertical
• Closed Loop - Pond/Lake
• Open-Loop
• Direct Exchange

• In-depth discussion of geothermal heat pump technologies currently in use including: Closed Loop - Horizontal, Closed Loop - Vertical, Closed Loop - Pond/Lake, Open-Loop and Direct Exchange.
• Key trends and issues
• Current (2008) market size and forecast of market size through 2013
• Review of drivers and influencers of demand and assessment of their impact on future demand.
• Marketplace acceptance of alternative energy
• Legal and regulatory requirements
• In-depth profiles of leading participants within the industry including background, product portfolio, financial performance, M & A activity, technology development, strategic direction and key personnel changes.

• Marketing managers - to identify market opportunities and develop targeted promotion plans for geothermal heat pump technologies.
• Research and development professionals - to better understand emerging technologies, market demand and competitor initiatives for geothermal heat pump technologies.
• Advertising agencies - working with clients in energy, banking, infrastructure, and local and state governments, to develop messages and images that compel consumers and businesses to use geothermal heat pump technology.
• Venture capitalists and business development executives - to understand the dynamics of the market and identify possible investment opportunities.
• Information and research center librarians - to provide updated and focused information to market researchers, brand and product managers and other marketing professionals in support of their job requirements.

How You' ll Benefit from This Report

If your company is doing business in the geothermal heat pump market, or is considering entering this market, Energy Beneath the Backyard will be invaluable. This report provides unique insights and information that will provide a solid platform for growth in this market. Moreover, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the geothermal heat pump market, as well as projected market size and trends through 2013.

• Carrier Corporation/Bryant
• ClimateMaster
• DEVI Electroheat Ltd.
• Eagle Mountain
• ECONAR Geosystems LLC
• Energycore
• Florida Heat Pump
• Heat Controller
• Northern Heat Pump, Inc.
• Ochsner Heat Pumps Ltd.
• WaterFurnace International, Inc.