Independence from Fossil Fuel Usages in Northeastern United States: Important Tasks for a Sustainable Geothermal Pilot Well Project

Environment and Energy, together, is the latest challenge for the U.S and the World. It involves issues of global warming and climate control, reduction of fossil fuel usage in the U.S., and zero net emissions from non-renewable energy usages. President Obama has mandated that all Federal facilities convert to renewable energy sources and reach net zero emissions by a certain date. Some local government environmental agencies have been renamed to reflect the new agenda of environmental protection to include "green energy." In Massachusetts, the state environmental agency has been renamed, "Energy and Environmental Affairs" from "Environmental Affairs." Geothermal Energy is the thermal energy stored in the earth. This energy is in the rock and groundwater at temperatures above ambient levels. The geothermal process involves recovering the thermal energy contained in subsurface rocks via injection wells and bringing that heat to the surface for heating purposes for buildings or for an entire community, and conversely during the hot seasons for cooling purposes. Geothermal energy, although not a new concept, is realizing a resurgence in popularity because of the increasing cost of fossil fuels and the emerging need for green energy. In the process of constructing injection wells, contaminants can be introduced into the groundwater, soils, surface water, sediments, and air. Geothermal energy systems must incorporate in their design, construction, and implementation - pollution prevention and waste minimization techniques in order to be truly green.