Key Highlights:
- Five communities in the U.S. will receive over $35 million from the Department of Energy for community-scale geothermal heating and cooling systems.
- The projects include cities like Chicago, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Framingham, Massachusetts; Hinesburg, Vermont; and Shawnee, Oklahoma, aiming to reduce carbon emissions from buildings.
- Currently, the U.S. has fewer community-scale geothermal systems compared to other countries, but these new initiatives hope to encourage more U.S. communities to utilize geothermal energy.
Expert Insight:
Experts in building decarbonization are excited about the possibilities of thermal energy networks. These systems can shift entire neighborhoods away from fossil fuels for heating and cooling needs. Typically, geothermal networks use underground pipes paired with geothermal heat pumps to maintain a stable underground temperature, making buildings more energy-efficient.
Earlier this year, the Department of Energy allocated $13 million to help design community-scale geothermal systems in 11 communities. Local coalitions assessed geothermal resources and conducted feasibility studies to gather support for these projects.
The five selected projects show variation in size and technology. Ann Arbor and Chicago are set to receive about $10 million each, with Chicago’s project led by the environmental group Blacks in Green. Meanwhile, Framingham, Massachusetts, will get $7.8 million, with the nonprofit Heet leading the charge. Hinesburg, Vermont, has secured $3 million for a project backed by GTI Energy, while the University of Oklahoma will lead Shawnee’s project with $7 million.
Challenges remain for broader thermal energy network implementation, including the need for adaptable system designs for different sites. There’s also a need for education among city planners and stakeholders to fully grasp the potential of these networks.