The academics of water heating system reveals that it is a thermodynamic process that uses variable energy sources to heat water above its initial temperature. The increasing usage of water for cooking, cleaning , bathing, and space heating has led to different water heating systems that may confuse a layman.

Further research would however clarify that there are in general only two main types of water heating systems with many derivatives of each.

1. The instantaneous system which heats water as and when required
2. The storage system where hot water is stored or future use

The key issues that need to be kept in mind while installing a water heating system for residential and domestic purposes is:

a. The type of energy source being used
b. The volume of water requirement by the dwellers
c. Whether the water heating system is required to be a part of the central heating system
d. The number of points that require to draw water like taps, bathroom en-suit ,etc
e. The speed of hot water delivery also effects the heating system
f. Cost vs. benefit issues and location suitability and technical feasibility

The key issue remains that the water heating system has to be installed keeping in mind the individual needs and requirements and energy saving should hold primary importance. Alternate energy modes like solar, hydronic and geothermal water heating systems are becoming increasingly popular.

Gone are the times when energy savings from heating systems were solely measured in terms of the boiler efficiency and the solar energy used. Modern heating systems are defined by the intelligent control technologies that enable the system to provide just the right amount of heat. These controls combine all the components of the system and alter their performance to suit the weather conditions outside and provide for the heating in rooms individually considering the fact that different rooms have different heating requirements.

The modern systems base their operations on the outside temperatures and change the temperature in the boiler and the heating cycle accordingly. New sensors also enable setting of timers which optimizes heating during the day cycle and times of absence. Latest developments in microprocessor technology have revolutionized heating systems. These new systems can learn the conditions of the weather and automatically optimize its performance settings during the day and night to meet the requirements of different rooms. While internal heating can be managed by these systems, outdoor spaces can be heated by patio heaters.

Modern control units also function well with combined solar and boiler powered units. They can manage the communication between the solar system, boiler and storage tank such that the system switches to solar as soon as possible. This allows for fuel savings up to 10%. This includes the under floor heating systems which employ solar energy. Modern control systems have also improved upon the interaction with users. Some systems also provide display screens which show the details of the system, potential faults and service requirements.

The European Investment Bank (EIB), European Union's (EU) leading long-term lending organization, is aggressively supporting "Green Environment" by granting 1.1 million Euro for the feasibility study of exporting geothermal power from Dominica. The study will explore all the possible routes to export geothermal electricity from Dominica to Guadeloupe in the north and from Dominica to Martinique in the south. If the results of the feasibility study indicate positive prospects, the project will be able to produce about 120 megawatts of geothermal power for exports and 200 megawatts for domestic consumption. The funds from EIB will help lowering the energy costs arising from resolving technical and engineering challenges with regard to export of energy. EIB firmly believes that effective and sustainable use of geothermal power, as a renewable source of energy, is vital for the economic development of the nation.

At present, the Government of Dominica in association with the European Union and the Agence Francaise de Development, is undertaking efforts to assess the potential of geothermal power availability by drilling three test wells at Laudat and Wolten-Waven. The test plants would be able to generate 5 megawatt energy. The Government of Dominica is confident that the support from EIB would be very instrumental in the nation's drive of geothermal program.