Introducing our geothermal energy program.
We’re committed to a clean energy future. As part of our vision to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, we’re evaluating the potential for geothermal energy to provide highly efficient space heating and cooling for our residential and commercial customers.
How do geothermal energy systems work?
A thermal energy network uses the earth’s ground temperature to provide heating and cooling through a buried piping network. The constant underground temperature serves as a heat source during winter and transfers indoor heat to the ground for cooling during the summer.
When a building requires heat in cold weather, fluid circulated through the ground loop absorbs the warmth from underground and brings it indoors where a geothermal heat pump delivers comfortable, clean, warm air throughout your indoor space.
When a building requires cooling in summer months, excess heat from indoors is absorbed and concentrated by the heat pump and sent out of the building through the ground loop and back into the ground. Your geothermal heat pump provides cool, conditioned air throughout your indoor space.
What is networked geothermal energy?
What happens when networked geothermal is installed?
Proven
Geothermal systems have been used for many years throughout the globe. Networked geothermal systems at universities have been operational for decades, providing consistent heating and cooling with cost savings and reduction in emissions.
Reliable and sustainable
Geothermal energy provides a constant energy supply in all weather conditions. Ground source heat pumps deliver consistent indoor comfort without the fluctuations that can occur with traditional systems. Geothermal energy is a sustainable energy source continuously replenished by the sun and earth’s core, providing a fossil-free heating and cooling solution to last.
Clean, Heathly, and Safe
With a geothermal system that relies on underground temperate rather than gas as a fuel source, there is no on-site combustion of fuel or carbon monoxide risk. And residential customers can reduce their carbon footprint by up to 60%.
Central Cooling
Most geothermal systems can provide both heating and cooling, a comfort upgrade for property owners with heat-only systems that rely on window/portable air conditioning and/or fans for cooling.
Quiet
Ground source heat pumps are significantly quieter than traditional equipment used with other types of heating and cooling.
Low Maintenance
Compared to traditional heating and cooling systems, geothermal systems require less maintenance to operate. The life expectancy of geothermal equipment and infrastructure is long, with heat pumps rated to last 25 years or more.
Information about our networked geothermal program
Our geothermal program explores if a geothermal network can be used to replace residential and commercial customers’ natural gas service. As part of the program, National Grid will install and operate geothermal networks at up to four separate locations in Massachusetts, serving a group of customers having diversity in size and use. We are preparing for construction of a geothermal network in Lowell, MA. There is also proposed location for a geothermal network in Boston, MA.
Community Updates
We're committed to keeping the Lowell community engaged and up-to-date throughout the pilot process. Our efforts have included direct mailings, on-site and virtual meetings, door-to-door outreach, and participation in community events. You can read about recent project milestones in our newsletters.
Want to learn more?
Email our geothermal team at geothermal@nationalgrid.com