New geothermal systems may be key to sustainable buildings

A new networked geothermal system in Framingham, Massachusetts, shows promise in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using the Earth's stable temperature to heat and cool buildings efficiently.

Matt Simon reports for Grist.

In short:

• Eversource Energy launched the first U.S. networked geothermal neighborhood in Framingham, utilizing geothermal heat pumps to serve 36 buildings.
• Geothermal systems provide a stable, efficient alternative to gas heating, with a “coefficient of performance,” or COP, of 6 compared to gas furnaces’ less than 1.
• The network's modular design allows for scalable implementation, potentially transforming utilities from gas suppliers to thermal energy providers.

Key quote:

“Every building sits on a thermal asset. I really don’t think there’s any more efficient or better way to heat and cool our homes.”

— Cameron Best, director of business development at Brightcore Energy

Why this matters:

Geothermal energy offers a sustainable solution to decarbonize buildings, a sector responsible for about a third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Widespread adoption of this technology could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.