Framingham’s Geothermal Project Set for Expansion

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.