Time to get some heat.
An ancient New Zealand volcano could be one solution to the climate emergency. [Featured Image: Racim Amr, Unsplash*].
Geologists in Dunedin are hoping that extracting heat from the 11 million-year-old by the south Island can be used as an efficient way to heat homes.
In theory, holes can be drilled into the extinct volcano to facilitate the pumping of heat into houses around the country. Geologist Dr Mike Palin and his Otago University colleagues are seeking backing from the government for the $1 million study.
If successful, it would be helpful in “reducing carbon-based fuel consumption and consequent greenhouse gas emissions”.
Speaking to The Guardian, Dr Palin said: “Even if we find out our extinct volcano isn’t as hot as we think it is, certainly the idea can be utilised elsewhere.”
“We don’t want to oversell this until we know more,” Palin told the Guardian, “[but] even if we find out our extinct volcano isn’t as hot as we think it is, certainly the idea can be utilised elsewhere”.
Since New Zealand has pledged to have a zero-net carbon emissions by 2050, lets hope this can go some way towards reaching that goal! Plus, having your home heated by a volcano… pretty god damn cool, right? Sign us up.
*Volcano in South Island not pictured.