This will be expanded to include certain heat recovery equipment used in a broader range of applications than was the case prior to Budget 2010 as well as distribution equipment used in district energy systems that rely primarily on ground source heat pumps, active solar systems or heat recovery equipment.

In a study published by the CGC last year, we estimated that, if we were to replace 4 per cent of the single-home residential heating systems in Canada with geoexchange systems, it would be the equivalent of reducing GHG emissions by 800 megatons or removing 250,000 vehicles from our roads.

We have an ambitious plan to install a geothermal heating and cooling system that will reduce energy consumption by 62 per cent, thus greatly reducing our carbon footprint and saving energy costs.

Notes that many of the best and most competitive locations for RES in the EU are at a considerable distance from the centres of energy consumption, which makes the optimum use of such locations contingent on the development of transmission and distribution systems and reinforcement of cross-border interconnections; notes also the advantages of decentralised renewable energy supply close to consumption centres; stresses that this can lead to cost reductions, reduce the need for grid extension and avoid congestions when adequate infrastructure is in place; points out that the Commission should facilitate the development of adequate mode ...[+++]lling tools to define the optimal mix of distant, large scale generation plants and distribution level installations; stresses the potential of an integrated approach for the energy system that would cover both heat and electricity demand and supply; notes also the potential of local RES production such as micro generation or cooperatives by citizens jointly investing in the production and supply of renewable energy, such as geo-thermal heating and solar power, as mentioned in the Commission Communication;

What are the expected contributions of large biomass, solar and geothermal facilities in the district heating and cooling systems?

A geothermal heat unit for an individual home is an option, supplemented by solar and wind power, and so on.