Geothermal energy is probably great if you live in Iceland. But here in the US? Who knew? A Houston developer is digging deep to create power for his new project.

“This is like drilling a water well,” says developer David Kelley, “We’re going about 300 feet deep, and it’s pretty much the same technology in creating a water well. You can reduce your electricity use by up to 50%.” In its simplest form, geothermal energy uses the earth’s heat to create electricity.

It’s going in at Co-Housing Houston, a new concept of communal development. Their website defines the project like this: “Cohousing communities consist of private, fully-equipped dwellings and extensive common amenities including a common house and recreation areas. The common house is the very heart of a cohousing community. It provides a place for community activities such as common dinners, and numerous other organized formal and informal activities.” There will be 33, self-contained units along with the common areas.