Framingham geothermal network to double in size

Last year, the gas and electric utility Eversource Energy completed the first phase of a neighborhood geothermal network in Framingham, Massachusetts. Now, Framingham’s geothermal network is set to double in size – and become even more efficient – thanks to a new $8.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Networked geothermal offers an efficient, cost-effective way to transition entire neighborhoods off polluting methane gas. 

The grant will allow Eversource to construct a second loop onto the system and add approximately 140 new customers to the Framingham network. The grant will also fund research to monitor the system’s performance. 

“It’s exciting to see this groundbreaking geothermal network get the resources to build a second loop,” said Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment America Research & Policy Center. “When more homes and businesses share heat in an geothermal network, an already efficient system becomes even more efficient. That benefits everyone.”

To read about Johanna’s experience touring the Framingham geothermal network, read her write-up here.