A multi-million dollar federal grant will aim to add onto Eversource’s first-in-the-nation system for heating and cooling.
FRAMINGHAM - Eversource’s geothermal energy project in Framingham is set to benefit from a $7.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to the Boston-based nonprofit organization HEET (Home Energy Efficiency Team).
The unique geothermal pilot program, located by the Framingham Public Schools administration complex at Flagg Drive and Normandy Road, was launched back in June.
The geothermal system was installed to provide clean energy by utilizing the temperature beneath the surface of the earth, which is consistently at about 55 degrees. Liquids, wells, pipes, and pumps are used to pull heat up from the ground and indoors during the winter. Conversely, heat is pumped out of buildings and into the ground during warmer months.
The project in Framingham—the first of its kind in the nation—currently serves just over 30 residential homes along with five commercial buildings. Now, additional residents and business owners stand to benefit from the federal money for an expansion. The Department of Public Utility will have to approve of the additional systems, which would connect to the existing network.
“I’m so proud of the work of our team creating a nation-leading roadmap to make networked geothermal a reality for utilities in the future,” Nikki Bruno, Eversource’s Vice President of Clean Technologies, said in a statement regarding the grant.
Bruno mentioned in June that participants in the local geothermal pilot program were expected to save about 15% to 20% on their monthly energy costs. The Framingham pilot program will set out to collect additional data from a pair of heating and cooling seasons to determine whether or not geothermal systems are viable, from a price standpoint as well as an environmental standpoint, at this scale.
“This innovative project not only showcases Framingham's commitment to sustainable energy solutions but also sets a precedent for other communities across the nation,” Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky stated.
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Esta semana no The Frame: o estado concede a Framingham conformidade condicional com o Ato das Comunidades MBTA, uma proposta para um novo campo de golfe na área 9-90 é apresentada ao Conselho de Planejamento, e uma recapitulação da 38ª celebração anual do Dia de MLK pela Igreja Comunitária Greater Framingham. Além disso: a Ellie Mental Health corta a fita para sua nova clínica na Speen Street.
This week on The Frame: the state grants Framingham conditional compliance with the MBTA Communities Act, a proposal for a new golf course in the 9-90 area is outlined to the Planning Board, and a recap of the Greater Framingham Community Church’s 38th annual MLK Day celebration. Plus: Ellie Mental Health cuts the ribbon for their new Speen Street clinic.
In December, Mayor Sisitsky submitted the downtown Central Business district to Massachusetts officials for consideration to satisfy the zoning law's requirements.
