A government meeting focused on the Eversource geothermal project in Framingham revealed significant developments in renewable energy infrastructure aimed at serving 80 customers through a district-wide system. The project involves three well fields and pumping stations, with the infrastructure installed on public property primarily for municipal buildings.

Discussions highlighted the technical aspects of the geothermal system, including the estimated number of wells required, which is based on the heating and cooling loads of the buildings. The general guideline suggests that one ton of cooling necessitates approximately a 500-foot well, with estimates indicating around 40 wells may be needed for the project.

Financial incentives for the geothermal system were a key topic, with officials clarifying that funding is available regardless of whether a site currently uses gas. This addresses previous concerns raised by Wellesley officials regarding eligibility for incentives without an existing gas line. The meeting confirmed that incentives are governed by electric utility providers, such as Eversource, and are accessible for both gas and electric customers.

The federal and state incentive programs were also discussed, including the new investment tax credit, which offers substantial financial support for renewable technologies. Estimates suggest that customers could receive incentives exceeding $1 million for geothermal systems, with specific percentages of costs covered depending on compliance with various programs.

The meeting concluded with a comparison of potential costs and incentives for ground source versus air source heat pump systems, emphasizing the greater financial benefits associated with ground source systems. Overall, the discussions underscored the commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions and the importance of financial support in facilitating these projects.