Geothermal energy, a stable and sustainable resource beneath our feet, is gaining increasing attention as U.S. utilities explore its potential to replace natural gas in heating and cooling buildings.

Matt Simon reports for The Guardian.

In summary:

• Geothermal systems use the consistent temperature of the earth’s subsurface to efficiently heat and cool buildings, thereby reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the use of natural gas.
• Eversource Energy has launched the nation’s first interconnected geothermal district in Framingham, Massachusetts, signaling a shift in the way utilities approach energy distribution.
• Networked geothermal systems are highly efficient with a coefficient of performance (Cop) of 6 (compared to less than 1 for gas furnaces) and represent a promising alternative for sustainable energy use.

Key quote:

“If you’re in a situation where you need to upgrade or replace your line anyway, you might think about this: Do I replace it instead with a line that doesn’t require fuel and draws energy naturally from the ground?”

— Holly Braun, Business Development and Innovation Manager at NW Natural

Why this is important:

Switching to geothermal energy could significantly reduce carbon emissions from buildings, which account for a third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. With utilities under regulatory pressure to phase out natural gas, networked geothermal energy offers a cleaner and potentially safer alternative.