Thursday, April 28, 2016

USA, Idaho: 126 Year Old Geothermal District Heating System Still Going Strong

How Boise's Geothermal System Built In The 1890s Still Serves Much Of Downtown (Boise State Public Radio)

Since 1890, 177-degree-water has been pumped from the foothills to heat buildings and provide hot baths. It was the first of its kind in the country, serving Victorian homes on Warm Springs Avenue and hotels in downtown Boise.

These days, the system has made updates, but the basic science and product is the same. Geothermal Coordinator Jon Gunnerson says a lot of familiar buildings in downtown use geothermal energy -- like the YMCA.

A bunch of government offices, including City Hall and the Ada County Courthouse, use geothermal energy. Ten Boise State buildings are also on the geothermal line.


Read More........               Download Audio (mp3 file) 1:25 Minutes.