We’re committed to finding new ways to provide our customers with cleaner energy while helping them use energy more efficiently. We’re evaluating the potential for geothermal networks, also called thermal energy networks (TENs), to provide highly efficient space and water heating for our customers in place of natural gas.

What is a thermal energy network?

A thermal energy network consists of bore holes, pumps, and a buried piping network (a ground loop) to use the earth’s constant temperature to provide heating and cooling to buildings. This system uses the earth’s ground temperature as a clean, renewable energy source.

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.

 Note: GSHP is a ground-source heat pump or geothermal heat pump

Why consider geothermal?

• Efficient: Geothermal systems are typically 3 to 6 times more efficient than conventional oil, propane, or electric resistance heating systems.
• Year-round comfort: Ground-source heat pumps can provide heating in the winter and cooling in summer months.
• Cozy: Heat pumps provide quiet, even heating and cooling throughout your home or business.
• Easier: Heat pumps last longer than conventional furnaces and AC units and require minimal maintenance.
• Cleaner: A residential customer can reduce their carbon footprint by up to 60%.

Questions about our thermal energy networks?

• Check out our geothermal projects in MA
• Check out our geothermal projects in NY
• Email us at geothermal@nationalgrid.com