Boston explores clean thermal energy from its waters

“Large buildings account for a significant share of our energy use, and they need heating and cooling solutions that are reliable, scalable, and cost-effective,” said lieutenant governor Kim Driscoll. “This groundbreaking effort positions Boston to lead on innovative infrastructure that can serve major energy users while easing pressure on our broader energy system.”

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu added: “This innovative effort reflects what Boston does best: bringing together some of our region’s most valuable partners to make our city more sustainable and affordable.”

“By exploring thermal energy, we’re opening an opportunity to keep our buildings comfortable year-round while maintaining stable electricity costs and paving the way for other cities across the Commonwealth to do the same.”

The BosTEN project will leverage the Green Ribbon Commission’s diverse membership, which represents many of the area’s largest energy users, including universities, hospitals, commercial real estate, and public agencies, to obtain data on their buildings. This data will help shape The BosTEN Project’s analysis of thermal energy use at scale throughout the region.

“Massachusetts is the world’s climate innovation lab. This project is another example of Boston, our capital city, taking control of its energy future”

The GRC will also work with government entities, regulated utilities, and district energy providers to address underground infrastructure and regulatory barriers. The goal is to create an approach that is practical, equitable, and applicable to many sites statewide.

“Massachusetts is the world’s climate innovation lab. This project is another example of Boston, our capital city, taking control of its energy future. Thermal energy networks are an exciting potential path to reduce energy costs and address growing demand for heating and cooling powered by clean energy,” said Mass Clean Energy Center CEO Ben Downing. “The BosTEN Project will deepen our understanding of how these systems can strengthen our grid, manage peak demand, and make Massachusetts more energy independent.”

At the end of the project, the Green Ribbon Commission will deliver findings on thermal supply, distribution pathways, phased demand among early adopters, investment readiness, and permitting/regulatory requirements, with an emphasis on producing near-term pilot concepts that can be enacted in Boston.

“What makes this ambitious project tangible is the amount of collaboration behind it,” said Dr Lindsey Butler, executive director of the Green Ribbon Commission.

“By bringing together our most influential institutions, largest energy users, public entities, and engineering experts, we will be able to deliver insights that could make thermal energy networks a reality that benefits communities across Massachusetts and serves as a global example of what’s possible.”

The Green Ribbon Commission is seeking a qualified engineering firm or technical consultant to lead this work.