Geothermal Projects
Project Overview
Spring 2025
The District Energy and Modernization (DEM) project is an evolution of Catawba’s use of renewable energy and a critical step toward maximizing efficiency. This geothermal system will connect 26 buildings to a district system that will provide heating and cooling for decades. This initiative addresses critical deferred maintenance needs while aligning with Catawba's sustainability goals and commitment to achieving a zero-carbon campus.
Spring 2024
We added a closed-loop geothermal system to the College in our Chapel Circle green space.
The project features 39 wells drilled from January to March 2024. Additional infrastructure was installed in March, and all HVAC units were replaced with new high-efficiency geothermal heat pumps. The project was completed before the start of the Fall 2024 semester.
Our geothermal system provides efficient, clean energy to heat and cool the library. This system annually reduces at least 265 MMBTU of fossil gas and 145,724 kWh of purchased electrical energy usage. The carbon emissions associated with these savings equal 51 metric tons, or 11.3 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year.
How Does It Work?
A closed loop geothermal system continuously circulates water through buried pipes. The water either deposits or absorbs heat from the ground depending on the season.
Closed loop systems are filled once and require a moderate amount of water because the same water is used again and again. No fluid escapes and no outside materials can enter the pipes.
Geothermal heat pump systems use the ground for energy storage, resulting in very high efficiency. Heat from summer cooling is stored in the ground and recovered during the winter for heating.
Project Timeline
The project will feature 39 wells, which are being drilled from January - to March 2024. Additional infrastructure will be installed beginning in March. All existing HVAC units will be replaced with new high-efficiency geothermal heat pumps. The project is anticipated to be completed prior to the start of the Fall 2024 semester.
