Alderson Engineering, Inc.

407 Lakeside Drive

Southampton, PA 18966

Phone: 215/ 364-5635; Fax: 215/364-5637

Website: www.concentric.net/~Aei

Company Description:

Alderson Engineering, Inc. is a Consulting Engineering firm that specializes in the design of Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical systems for the building construction industry. Its goal is to satisfy a core group of clients and grow with their successes.

History: 

Alderson Engineering has extensive experience designing complex specialty mechanical/electrical systems. The firm relies heavily on computer technology and has Computer Aided Design (CAD) capabilities for every employee. Howard Alderson is a Philadelphia, PA area consulting engineer and President of Alderson Engineering, Inc. He has been a consulting engineer in private practice for over 20 years.

Company Location(s): This is a Pennsylvania corporation with its headquarters in Southampton, Bucks County.  Howard Alderson is registered in the following states: 

Pennsylvania Florida Virginia New Jersey

Delaware Arkansas Vermont, North Carolina

Illinois New York, Connecticut Maryland

Number of Employees: Less than 10

Ownership: Privately- held company

Annual Revenue: Not available

Market Position:  Alderson Engineering’s president, Howard Alderson, has been responsible for the design of over 17,000 tons of closed loop geothermal heat pump installed in over 4,250 wells in northern climates.

Relevant Services:

Alderson Engineering offers the following services:

Mechanical (HVAC) Fire Protection Lighting Feasibility Studies

Life Cycle Cost Comparisons Geothermal Systems Plumbing Electrical (Power)

Energy Management System Analysis Energy Conservation

 Professional Affiliations:

• Consulting Engineers Council (CEC) Philadelphia Chapter Member since 1989; Chapter President

• Consulting Engineers Council of Pennsylvania (CEC/PA); Board of Directors; Past President; National Director

• American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); Member since 1975

• American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE); Member since 1988

• International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA)

• Building Officials & Code Administrators (BOCA); Member since 1997

Instructor:  American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); Philadelphia, Pa.; Advanced HVAC Course; "Design of Water Source Heat Pump Systems.” and “Design of Hotels and Restaurants ”; 1984 through 2000.

Primary Competitors:

Other consulting engineering firms that may not be as experienced in geothermal applications.

Key Accounts/Types of Projects:

Alderson Engineering has provided technical expertise to schools, office buildings, residential buildings, nursing homes, public buildings, and retail businesses. These projects include geothermal installations found in the Alderson Engineering Projects List table in this report.

Best Way to Learn of Developments: Online newsletter, web site.

Key Individual and Primary Staff Contact:

Howard Alderson, P.E., President; Phone: 215/364-5635

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EnLink Geoenergy Services, Inc. 

16430 Park Ten Place, Suite 600

Houston, TX 77084

Phone:   281/398-6880;  Fax:  281/398-6715                          

Website: www.enlinkgeoenergy.com

Company Description:

EnLink is a Texas-based growth company that designs, installs, warranties, and finances Geothermal Heat Pump (“GHP”) systems that provide heating and cooling to buildings as an increasingly appealing alternative to conventional HVAC systems.

EnLink focuses on commercial, educational and institutional buildings, both new and renovation, which require a minimum of 200-300 tons of HVAC capacity.  Future markets may include high density residential and hotel/motel applications. 

History: 

The company formed in 1995 focused on GHP well field technology development and equipment sales. In 1999, it was funded by venture capital and began installing GHP well fields nationwide. It initiated its total solution business plan in 2001. 

Company Location(s):  Enlink is headquartered in Texas, however, the company operates nationwide on a project-specific basis.

Number of Employees:  20

Ownership:  Privately- held company with a number of partners and strategic alliances including the Electricite de France and MiraSol Energy, a subsidiary of El Paso Electric Co.  It has also received funding from Davis, Venture Partners, a venture capital firm based in Houston, TX.

Annual Revenue:  The company declined to provide information on annual revenue, however Enlink is projecting that 2003 sales will exceed 2002 sales by 60%.

Relevant Services:

 Products/Services:  EnLink provides comprehensive “turnkey” GHP solutions from design, procurement, construction, project management, warranty and on-going service for both in-the-building and underground components.  Its turnkey installations of GHP systems target the following areas:

• Sell via its direct sales force and marketing partners

• Design and engineer the GHP system to meet the heating/cooling requirements associated with the customer’s specific needs

• Procure and provide equipment and materials required

• Manage the installation of the entire GHP system

• Develop proprietary GHP-related technologies (installation rigs, system equipment and project materials) used in EnLink projects

Technologies/Special Know-How:  EnLink has received five patents in the U.S. Three of these patents  pertain to loop field installation technologies and approaches, and two are related to metering energy flow into/from the ground associated with GHP systems.  

Enlink’s patents address the following areas:

• Installation patents

  • Loop insertion and grouting

  • “U-bend” in loop

  • Gel polymer in grout

• Metering patents

  • Billing process for GHP systems

  • Heat exchange data for GHP systems

Markets:  EnLink’s target markets are defined by establishment of joint marketing relationships with local partners (e.g., utilities), prevailing or developing infrastructure for GHP systems, higher than average electric utility rates, and favorable soil conditions.  Although the company has a national focus, its primary targets are summarized below:

• Region One (active): Texas, New Mexico, Iowa, Colorado, Nebraska

• Region Two (active):  New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland

• Region Three (active): California

• Region Four (future): Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, North/South Carolina

• Region Five (future): Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri

According to the company, Enlink is currently managing a variety of geothermal projects for Adelphi University in New York City, and several school districts and commercial office buildings throughout Texas.

Primary Competitors:

Enlink’s chief competitors are the small local and regional geothermal installation companies. These include local water-well drillers, local HVAC contractors, and local mechanical engineers. Enlink focuses on bundling the various elements required in a commercial GHP installation into one package that includes the engineering, drilling, and installation partners.

Strategic Partners:

In May, 2002, EnLink and Electricite de France (EDF) executed a joint venture agreement whereby EDF contributes people and research facility resources for a minority equity stake. The JV will accomplish:

• Testing and improvement of drilling, looping, grouting process.

• Utilize and enhance EnLink’s engineering and building load-modeling software.

• Commercialize EnLink’s BTU metering software for system monitoring, customer verification of system performance and billing.

• Development of business plans and marketing plans to enter Europe and other world markets;

Distribution Channels and Fulfillment Partners:  

Beyond EnLink’s direct sales effort, EnLink is establishing partnerships with several candidates to more quickly penetrate key market segments and scale its fulfillment capability in its target regions. Currently, Enlink is forging relationships with several partners including rural electric cooperatives and engineering firms in Colorado.  

Professional Affiliations:

• The Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC)

• International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA)

• American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) ; member of both GHP committees, TC 6.8 and TC 9.4

• Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) – CGD Certified

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Key Contacts:

Richard Dale, Vice President; Phone: 281/828-3623
Rose Dowdy,  Sales Manager; Phone: 281/684-2225
Matt Blanche. Sales Executive; Phone: 720/236-8818

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Geo-Enterprises Inc

2660 North Hwy 167

Catoosa, OK 74015

Phone: 918/ 379-0193; 918/ 379-0471 

Website: www.geo-enterprises.com

Company Description:

Contractors/Installers/Dealers/Distributors/Designers/Engineers

History: 

Having nine years of business leadership experience in the geothermal industry, Philip Shoen believed that he could better serve consumers with GeoExchange technology by moving to a larger market. Leaving behind his old business, he embarked on a mission that continues still today.  July 1,1997, Philip Shoen created Geo-Enterprises: A company dedicated to the development, manufacturing, and dispersion of geothermal heating and cooling technology.

Company Location(s):  Oklahoma and Missouri

Number of Employees:  Less than 10 

Ownership:  Privately-held corporation

Annual Revenue:  Not available

Market Position:  Small, niche player that often works on complex and high profile geothermal installations

Relevant Product and Description

Geo-Enterprises is a full-service geothermal heat pump company, offering design assistance, sales, and installation services for residential, commercial, and institutional customers.

Strategic Alliances:

Geo-Enterprises is endorsed by and/or affiliated with:

• The Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC)

• The Department of Energy

• The Environmental Protection Agency

• Driscopipe - Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. LP 

• International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA)

Association Memberships:

• International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA)

• The Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC)

• many other major industry trade association 

Key Customer Accounts:  see Summary of Installed Systems below

Total Number Deployed: (products and utilities)

Geo-Enterprises has been involved in hundreds of geothermal installations throughout the world. Geo-Enterprises is currently installing a geothermal system at the Youngstan Housing Project for the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea.

Geo-Enterprises has installed geothermal heating and cooling systems in:

Price Structure to Utility and Customer:  Prices vary depending on size and configuration. However, as a dealer and installer, Geo-Enterprises can offer competitive pricing that includes equipment, installation, and design.

Future Enhancements Planned/Anticipated: None announced at this time

How/Where Product Sold:  Through bids, word-of-mouth, and in partnerships with larger equipment manufacturers.

How/Where Marketed:  Through trade associations, website, and word-of-mouth

Best Way to Learn of New Developments:  Through the web site.

Key Individuals and Primary Staff Contact:

Phil Schoen, President
Phone: 918/379-0193
Fax:  918/379-0471 

e-mail: pschoen@geo-enterprises.com

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Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, Inc. (GHPC)

701 Pennsylvania, NW
Washington, DC 20004-2696

Phone: 202/ 508-5500, Fax: 202/508-5222

Website: www.ghpc.org; e-mail: info@ghpc.org  

Consortium Description

The Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC) is a nonprofit organization created with the mission of implementing the National Earth Comfort Program. The Earth Comfort Program is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and private sector organizations interested in promoting the growth of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly heating and cooling technology.

The GHPC's specific area of interest is in increasing the use of GeoExchange (geothermal heat pump) technology for both commercial and residential heating and cooling. GeoExchange systems use the earth's renewable energy to provide heating in winter, and cooling in summer, with energy consumption 25% to 50% less than traditional oil, natural gas, and electric heat pump systems. Moreover, because GeoExchange systems burn no fossil fuels in creating heat, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions substantially, and eliminate a source of carbon monoxide inside the homes and commercial buildings where they're used.

The GHPC’s goals include:

• To reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 1.5 million metric tons annually by the year 2005

• To increase annual unit sales of GeoExchange systems from 58,000 to 400,000 by the year 2005 saving over 300 trillion BTUs annually compared to traditional heating and cooling technologies

• To help the technology reach sufficient market penetration that it becomes self-sustaining, without further help or incentives from government or utility sources.

History:  

The GHPC was created in 1994 as a nonprofit organization.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Number of Employees: 7  

Ownership:  Non-profit association funded through a combination of member dues and grants from government organizations. Past funding included grants from the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annual Revenue: less than $3 million. 

Market Position: As a leading trade association in this industry, the GHPC has evolved from a marketing and technical focus to more of a lobbying organization to increase funding and visibility for geothermal heat pump technology.

Relevant Product Name and Description: GeoExchange

A brand name was created by the GHPC to identify and promote geothermal heat pumps in a consistent and memorable manner.  GeoExchange was chosen.  It has created a variety of materials to further create and sustain this brand name and identity to help educate potential customers.

Strategic Alliances/Key Accounts:

Consortium members include electric utilities, equipment manufacturers, architects, engineers, contractors, builders, energy service companies, and other private sector companies.

Association Memberships:

• Edison Electric Institute (EEI)

• Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)

• International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA)

• National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)

• Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)

Total Number Deployed (products and utilities):  GHPC membership has fallen off due the electric utility restructuring and a decrease in marketing activities among investor-owned utilities. It now has approximately more than 300 Electric or Dual Utilities, 467 Manufacturers and Trade Allies, and 28 International Organizations.

Price Structure to Utility and Customer:  GHPC offers memberships at a variety of levels and benefits ranging from individual memberships for $100 up to a flat rate per meter for utilities. The membership levels and fees are based on organizational type, annual revenue, and types of benefits desired.

How Marketed:  The GHPC is directing a national nationwide public awareness campaign to promote geothermal technology. The campaign targets national newspapers, consumer magazines, the business press, network, cable and syndicated TV and radio broadcast outlets, and trade press in seven market segments.

Members of the GHPC also have access to more than 200 publications promoting various GeoExchange applications, benefits, and case studies. These materials are available in electronic format and designed to be customized for individual member use.

The GHPC also provides a variety of technical knowledge, research data, marketing insights and program designs accumulated through partnership programs and demonstration projects.

The GHPC also has an GeoExchange Information Center that acts as the primary access point for information on GeoExchange systems and is heavily used by both the general public and GHPC members.

GeoExchange Lead Referral Service offers members with sales leads generated through GHPC’s outreach activities, such as trade shows and public awareness. 

The Consortium publishes a comprehensive industry newsletter six times a year. The Earth Comfort Update features articles showcasing the successes and breakthroughs of the industry and is distributed to all members. This newsletter will also help up keep up-to-date on upcoming industry events.

GHPC also offers Design Assistance, training, and technical advice to assist members with GeoExchange projects. Furthermore, GHPC has partnered with the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to provide continuing education credits through these workshops and seminars.

Future Enhancements Planned/Anticipated:  The Consortium plans to significantly enhance its efforts to increase the awareness of this technology through strong communications initiatives, technical assistance, outreach activities and target market opportunities. 

Best Way to Learn of New Developments: Through the website, industry events, and trade shows

Key Individual:

Wael El-Sharif, Executive Director
Phone: 202/508-5013 (direct)
e-mail: elsharif@ghpc.org

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International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGHSPA )

499 Cordell South 

Oklahoma State University 

Stillwater, OK 74078-8018;  

Phone: 800/ 636-4747,  405/744-5715

Website: http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu/

Association Description:

The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association's mission is to: 
“Promote the growth and advancement of the geothermal industry while ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of installed systems.” 

Its goals are to:

• Supporting GHP industry research and development.

• Promoting the GHP industry and publicizing GHP-related current events internationally.

• Developing and distributing internationally recognized training materials.

• Offering continuing education and training for industry professionals.

• Providing a forum for information exchange and discussion.

• Developing and supporting sound industry-related standards.

History:   

In 1987, Dr. Jim Bose, together with several manufacturers in the field, established the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA), and he was elected the Executive Director. IGSHPA has standardized training programs, developed standards for plastic pipes, antifreeze, and grouting of boreholes, and provided a forum for the industry and a bridge between academia and industry by way of conferences and teleconferences. Today, the IGSHPA membership has increased from the first five charter members to over 3,500.

Association Location:  Stillwater, Oklahoma

Number of Employees:  Less than 10

Ownership:   Non-profit association 

Annual Revenue:  Not Available 

Market Position: IGHSPA is the leading association dedicated to educating, training, and certifying design professionals interested in geothermal heat pumps. Its training programs and certifications are the gold standard within the geothermal heat pump design community.

Relevant Product Name and Description:

IGSHPA offers a variety of membership levels and benefits to individuals, associations, professional designers, and utilities.

Each member receives a subscription to IGSHPA's bimonthly newsletter, The Source, which provides members with a way to publicize news relating to the geothermal industry. Members can also obtain training videotapes, training manuals, and professional development publications.

All members are given a membership card, membership directory and certificate, and discounts on publications, seminars and conferences. Certain members also receive an Installation Guide, voting privileges, a company membership plaque, and an on-site Train-The-Trainer program.

Strategic Alliances/Key Accounts: 

  IGHSPA has affiliations with utilities, other trade associations, design professionals, and customers throughout the world.

Association Memberships:

IGHSPA belongs to a variety of technical and trade associations including the GHPC, NRECA, and various professional engineering associations.

Total Number Deployed (products and utilities:  IGSHPA has more than 3,500 members worldwide.

Price Structure to Utility and Customers:  IGHPHA’s membership levels range from $100 for an individual member to several thousand dollars for utilities. Member benefits and levels vary according to the organizational type, and benefits sought.

Future Enhancements Planned/Anticipated:  Continually visit the web site for details. IGHSPA also offered a variety of installation workshops throughout the United States, an industry event and certified GeoExchange Training for engineers, architects, and builders at various times and locations.

Best Way to Learn of New Development:  Through the website, industry events, and trade shows.

  Key Individual:

Dr. James Bose, Executive Director. Dr. Bose has pursued a life-long interest in building energy efficient buildings through alternative energy sources and during his work at Oklahoma State University became interested in learning more about geothermal heat pumps, looping, and new technologies for making this technology viable.

Primary Staff Contact:  

Lisa McArthur, Assistant Director
Phone: 405/744-5175
e-mail: mcarthl@okstate.edu

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