WEST CHESTER, PA — State Representative Chris Pielli (D-Chester) joined local leaders at West Chester University on Thursday to champion clean energy initiatives and spotlight the role of geothermal technology in Pennsylvania’s energy landscape. The event included a tour of the university’s Geothermal Exchange System, a facility that has significantly reduced campus greenhouse gas emissions and serves as a model for sustainable energy practices.
Pennsylvania, a leading electricity producer nationwide, consumed an estimated 2.2 trillion British Thermal Units of geothermal energy in 2023, the majority supplied from western states such as California and Nevada, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Despite the state’s position as the third-largest electricity generator in the country, Pennsylvania remains reliant on fossil fuels, with renewable energy accounting for only 4% of electricity generation as of 2022.
West Chester University’s geothermal system exemplifies the potential for cleaner energy production. The system has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 37%, sulfur dioxide by 73%, and nitrogen oxides by 71% compared to the university’s previous energy infrastructure. Additionally, it produces no particulate pollution, with 70% of the energy generated drawn from renewable ground sources.
“Pennsylvania thrives when we innovate,” said Rep. Pielli. “Average or below-average production of clean energy is unacceptable. We need to produce more energy using renewable sources. The folks here at West Chester University are doing just that by leading the way in geothermal production.”
Pielli emphasized the importance of diversifying Pennsylvania’s energy portfolio by moving toward renewable resources such as geothermal, solar, wind, and hydropower to complement the state’s current dependence on natural gas and nuclear power. This transition is critical for reducing carbon emissions, a metric where Pennsylvania ranked as the fourth-highest emitter in the United States in 2022.
“We have a tremendous opportunity to explore alternative energy sources here in Pennsylvania,” Pielli stated. “Whether it’s harnessing the wind, sun, natural waterways, or yes, even the heat from the ground beneath our feet, these methods of creating energy must become a mainstay in our portfolio.”
The geothermal system at West Chester University serves as a tangible demonstration of the viability and benefits of renewable energy technologies. Its success underscores the growing need for statewide clean energy policies to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower emissions, and protect public health.
With leaders like Rep. Pielli advocating for renewable energy adoption, Pennsylvania stands at a crossroads. Scaling up investments in clean energy could transform the state’s energy systems, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally responsible future while maintaining its role as a top energy producer.
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