Is Geothermal Energy New?
The earliest forms of geothermal energy were present during the Paleolithic Period through hot springs. Although a natural phenomenon, the mere existence of hot springs provides historical proof that people, for thousands of centuries, have had some basic understanding of geothermal energy. The oldest stone pool that incorporates the geothermal method dates back to 3rd century BC. Atop Mount Li in China’s Qinling mountain range, this antiquated stone spa, the first manmade, geothermally heated pool, was erected.
Over the next thousand years, humanity would inevitably construct more and more public baths, all of which used natural, geothermal energy. This ranges from the historic Aquae Sulis in Bath, England, to the famous, ancient bath houses built in Italy during the span of the Roman Empire. Today, the world’s oldest geothermal district heating system can be found in Chaudes-Aigues, France. It was built in the 14th century and still functions for the district. It wasn’t until 1892 in Boise, Idaho that an American city used geothermal power for heating purposes.
In 1852 the heat pump was created. It was essentially an early prototype of modern geothermal air controlling systems. Unfortunately, this technology did not find ubiquity until the 1940’s. Between that timeframe, in 1904, geothermal power generators were invented in Italy as a way to provide electricity in households. These power generators, and their cubical shape that bears a similarity to The Symbiont, would pay dividends towards the development of geothermal energy. The strides made over the years have led to better, more efficient systems, but at its core, the way we use geothermal energy hasn’t changed. Whether it’s to heat a pool or cool a home, geothermal energy still provides a clean, renewable, and cost-efficient way to suit your needs.
Get a quote on a geothermal system now.
Stay In The Loop
Don't miss out! Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS Feed on Feed Burner and get our latest posts.