Real Solution: Thermal Energy Networks
Thermal energy networks are utility-scale infrastructure projects that connect multiple buildings into a shared system that can provide highly efficient heating and cooling using the temperature of the earth.
What are TENs?
Thermal energy networks (TENs) are systems of water-filled pipes that use shallow geothermal wells, or boreholes, to bring the constant temperature of the earth under our feet (about 55 degrees F) to ground-source heat pumps in homes, businesses, and schools. Even more efficient than air-source heat pumps, these appliances use the relative temperature of the earth (warmer than the outside air in winter, cooler in summer) to provide heat or cooling as needed.
Thermal energy networks can capture excess heating or cooling from grocery stores, office buildings, ice rinks, or even wastewater; share that temperature with other buildings; or store it underground. Energy is not wasted, but exchanged and balanced between buildings.
These underground loops can serve an entire street, development, or town center. They are a safe, proven technology that has been successfully implemented in many colder climates.
Why do we want them?
Thermal energy networks yield significant emissions reductions and lower customer costs.
Ground-source heat pumps used in these systems require a fraction of the electricity that air-source heat pumps use, so they are more affordable than electric heating and cooling and much cleaner and less expensive than oil, propane, or gas heat.
Thermal energy networks reduce demands on the electric grid, lowering peaks and helping to keep electricity costs down for everyone.
Building thermal energy networks provides comparable jobs for fossil fuel workers, especially in the gas sector.
350VT on the Ground
In 2024, 350VT helped pass legislation allowing Vermont cities and towns to build and run their own thermal energy networks. Our White River node is currently working with the Vermont Law School and the Town of Royalton to on a TEN for the village of South Royalton.
By advancing local, on-the-ground projects, 350VT demonstrates that real climate solutions are possible that benefit us and our communities. Our work empowers individuals and communities to secure their own energy futures, and builds our collective power to make change.