Description
This two-day course, a collaboration between the HEET (Home Energy Efficiency Team) and MIT, focused on “Geothermal Energy Networks: Transforming our Thermal Energy System” during the Independent Activities Period (IAP) in January 2025.
Goal
The goal of this course is to provide participants with an overview of how geothermal networks can lead the transformation of our thermal system towards a clean renewable energy. This course will bring together more than 20 diverse experts and stakeholders to cover the following topics as they relate to geothermal energy networks (GENs): Framing the Climate Change and Energy Challenge; Workforce, Health and Environmental Justice; Policy Innovations; Expansion at City and Societal Scale; Design Principles; Drilling, Construction and Commissioning; Modeling of GENs and Impacts on the Electric Grid; and Case Studies.
Background
Emissions from buildings contribute significantly to climate change, accounting for approximately 26% of global energy-related emissions. In Massachusetts, building emissions account for 35% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, with most of these emissions coming from space and water heating systems that rely on natural gas as the primary fuel source.
Shallow geothermal energy offers a largely untapped baseload, non-intermittent, stable renewable energy that can be used for heating and cooling. Geothermal networks, defined as interconnected ground-source heat pump systems, harness this energy as a clean, renewable alternative to fossil fuels. These geothermal networks present an equitable and scalable approach with the potential to decarbonize entire neighborhoods.
Course Co-Creators
HEET: Isabel Varela and Zeyneb Magavi
MIT: Chris Rabe and Curt Newton
Agenda
Session 1: Framing the Challenge
Moderator: Zeyneb Magavi, HEET
- A Systems View of the Energy Transition and Role of Methane Emissions, Jason Jay, MIT
- Carbon Reduction Pathways for Building Stocks, Christoph Reinhart, MIT
- Climate, Energy and Health Nexus for GENs, Jonathan Buonocore, Boston University School of Public Health
Session 2: People Landscape for Geothermal Energy Networks (GENs)
Moderator: Ania Camargo, Building Decarbonization Coalition
- An Ecological View of the Energy Transition, Nathan Phillips, Boston University
- How GENs Can Meet Environmental Justice Priorities, Chris Rabe, MIT
- How GENs Arose out of Moms Organizing to Protect Their Children’s Future, Kelsey Wirth, Mothers Out Front
Session 3: Policy Landscape for Geothermal Energy Networks
Moderator: Andrew Illif, HEET
- Policy Case Study on the WARMTH Act, Lorig Charkoudian, Maryland State Delegate
- How Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) & GENs Can Meet Workforce Needs, Ryan Murphy, Climate Jobs
- The Rapidly Evolving Policy Landscape for GENs & TENs, Ania Camargo, Building Decarbonization Coalition
- The Potential Role of GENs in the Massachusetts Natural Gas Transition, James Van Nostrand, Chair of the Department of Public Utilities, Massachusetts
Session 4: Scaling Geothermal Energy Networks
Moderator: Zeyneb Magavi, HEET
- The Growth of GENs in Europe, Sanjeev Kumar, European Geothermal Energy Council
- Utility Perspective on Scaling GENs, Nikki Bruno, Eversource Energy
- Business Models for Deploying GENs, Don Lessard, MIT (emeritus)
- Expanding GENs at a Global Scale, Hela Cheikhrouhou, International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group
Session 5: Design Principles of Geothermal Energy Networks
Moderator: Juliet Simpson, NREL
- Introduction to Geothermal Heat Pumps, Connor Dacquay, GeoFease
- Systemic Differences Between Geothermal Heat Pumps and GENs, Nick Fry, Jacobs
- Introduction to Design of GENs, Brian Urlaub, Salas O’Brien
Session 6: Construction and Commissioning of Geothermal Energy Networks
Moderator: Isabel Varela, HEET
- Thermal Response Tests for Geothermal Boreholes, Garen Ewbank, GreyEdge Group
- Emerging Code & Standards for Ambient Temperature Loops, Mark Metzner, Endurant Energy
- Introduction to Drilling Geothermal Boreholes, Brock Yordy, Geothermal Drilling Association
- Constructing and Commissioning a GEN, Eric Bosworth, Eversource Energy
Session 7: Researching Geothermal Energy Networks and their Impacts
Moderator: Zeyneb Magavi, HEET
- Discussion on Grid Impact Knowledge with guests
- Learning from GENs, Isabel Varela, HEET
- Techno-Economic Analysis Model for GENs, Juliet Simpson, NREL
Session 8: Case Studies of Geothermal Energy Networks
Moderator: Nick Fry, Jacobs
- Colorado Mesa University, CO, Cary Smith, Sound Geothermal Corporation
- Framingham, MA, Mark Metzner, Endurant Energy
- Penn South Cooperative, Manhattan, Jay Egg, EggGeo
- MIT Thermal Energy Network (MITTEN) Plan, Susan Murcott, MIT
