A groundbreaking renewable energy project is about to double in size, but there's a twist: it's happening under the Trump administration, known for its controversial stance on clean energy. The $8.6 million grant for Eversource's geothermal network in Framingham, Massachusetts, is a rare win for renewables, sparking both excitement and curiosity about the future of this technology.
The U.S. Department of Energy's funding will enable the nation's first utility-led geothermal heating and cooling network to expand significantly. Eversource, a gas and electric utility, completed the initial phase in 2024, and now, along with the city of Framingham and HEET (a Boston-based nonprofit), they are set to take it to the next level. But here's where it gets interesting: this funding was first announced under the Biden administration, yet the contract was only finalized recently, amidst the Trump administration's rollback of clean energy grants.
This expansion is a big deal. Geothermal networks are renowned for their energy efficiency in heating and cooling buildings. With the grant, Eversource can add 140 new customers to the network and conduct research to optimize its performance. The network taps into the Earth's steady temperatures, using boreholes and a network of pipes to circulate water and regulate building temperatures.
"We're taking a significant step towards energy independence," said Framingham's mayor, Charlie Sisitsky. And surprisingly, this project has support from an administration that has been critical of wind and solar power. President Trump's executive order on energy supports a mix of resources, including geothermal.
But here's the controversial part: the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by Trump, phases out tax credits for wind, solar, and electric vehicles while largely preserving geothermal credits. This has Eversource's Nikki Bruno claiming geothermal as a bipartisan technology. And the expansion plans are cost-effective, utilizing existing equipment.
As the network grows, its efficiency is expected to increase, requiring fewer boreholes. HEET's Zeyneb Magavi believes this project is the birth of a new utility, addressing energy security and affordability. However, the project still requires state approval, with construction aimed to start by 2026.
So, is geothermal the future of clean energy? Will it unite political parties in the quest for energy independence? Share your thoughts below, and let's explore the possibilities together.
