Networked Geothermal

The many names for networked ground source heat pumps include: GeoMicroDistricts, Thermal Energy Network, Geothermal Network, Networked Geothermal, 5GHCD, Geo Grid, Thermal Highway, and more…

HEET’s networked geothermal system is an innovative solution to heat and cool homes in a safe, non-emitting and affordable way. Instead of natural gas, networked geothermal uses interconnected ground source heat pumps. That means pipes running from under the street to buildings and homes are filled only with water, no gas. The system connects buildings with different heating needs, so energy is never wasted, but is exchanged or stored in the ground until it is needed. 

The technology is tried and true. College campuses across the country have successfully transitioned their heating and cooling systems to networked ground source heat pumps. 

HEET proposes installing this technology along street segments, which can intersect to transition our energy system beyond gas. 

This model is already becoming a reality. Eversource Gas and National Grid, two of the largest utilities in Massachusetts, have received permission to build a total of five demonstration projects. Seven other gas utilities and 12 states are now looking into moving forward with their own networked geothermal projects.

This exciting electrification pathway can help us transform gas utilities away from gas, all while preserving jobs, meeting emissions targets, and bringing affordable energy to our homes and buildings—without greenhouse gases.

A Statewide Solution

Buro Happold Engineering, an international engineering firm, studied the feasibility of networked geothermal for Massachusetts and found networked geothermal could provide 100% of the heating and cooling for a significant portion of the state, improve safety, and reduce emissions for the connected buildings by 60% immediately and by over 90% as the electricity grid becomes renewable.

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