A neighborhood in Framingham, Massachusetts, is set to become the first in the U.S. to host a networked geothermal system. Regional utility Eversource will install a centralized system of vertical, underground pipes to absorb the Earth’s heat and release it, delivering a cost-effective, low-carbon source of heating and cooling for residents and businesses.

The pilot, scheduled to begin in late 2022, is expected to include 30 homes, five commercial buildings and 10 apartment buildings.

Schematic of the networked geothermal system. Source: Eversource

In addition to vertical ground loops and distribution mains, Eversource will install a geothermal heat pump and associated facilities within each customer’s building or residence. Geothermal heat pumps are a clean energy technology currently in use worldwide, and Eversource is piloting its deployment at scale as a potential option to complement or replace delivered fuels and natural gas service for heating and cooling.