A new interactive map that displays the open-loop geothermal resource potential in Ottawa is now available on ottawa.ca. Increasing the use of geothermal heat pumps to heat buildings is one of the many methods needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Ottawa. If you’ve been wondering if your property could benefit from an open-loop ground source heat pump this map is for you!
What is a ground source or geothermal heat pump?
A ground source heat pump, also known as a geothermal heat pump, uses the earth, ground water or both to heat a building in the winter and cool it in the summer. There are three types of ground source heat pump: closed loop, open loop and direct expansion. An open-loop system uses a lake, river or another body of water to exchange heat.
It is important to note that the map only shows open-loop geothermal resource potential. Most areas in Ottawa have a strong closed-loop geothermal resource potential.
