We had first reported on the proposed Framingham geothermal heating project back in 2022. The first-of-its-kind network geothermal system in the City of Framingham will run through two full heating and cooling seasons and will help Eversource evaluate the viability of the technology as a means for clean energy transition in Massachusetts. The groundbreaking for the project was held in June 2023.
Eversource expects its networked geothermal system to be complete and placed in service ahead of the 2023 heating season.
“We’ve been working hard installing main and other equipment for several months, and putting drills into the ground is another major step toward making our geothermal pilot system a reality,” said Eversource President of Gas Bill Akley.
“This is especially exciting for our 140 customers who are eager to participate in this innovative pilot program as we explore the potential of networked geothermal to decarbonize the natural gas system. Over the next two years, we’re going to study if this technology is cost-effective for our customers, and whether we can expand this kind of networked geothermal system to other customers and communities beyond this neighborhood in Framingham.”
Eversource has worked in close coordination with municipal partners at the City of Framingham to minimize community and environmental impacts as construction on the loop continues. Drilling operations will happen within two city-owned parking lots and a Framingham Housing Authority lot over the next few months. The energy company has partnered with a contractor that specializes in this type of drilling.
As part of the pilot program’s 2020 approval by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU), the energy company will operate its geothermal system for two complete heating and cooling seasons, providing regular updates to the DPU. Using the two-year pilot, Eversource will evaluate whether the technology is a cost-effective option at utility scale to complement or replace delivered fuels like heating oil and propane or natural gas service.
