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Simsbury committee hears experts outline thermal energy networks as a local decarbonization option
Summary
Representatives from PACE and Vermont Community Thermal Networks introduced thermal energy networks to the Simsbury Sustainability Committee, explaining how shared geothermal and waste-heat systems work, summarizing U.S. case studies and urging formation of a working group and community workshops to prepare for future Connecticut grant opportunities.
Peter Millman of People’s Action for Clean Energy and Debbie New of Vermont Community Thermal Networks told the Simsbury Sustainability Committee on Tuesday that thermal energy networks — shared systems that move heat via pipes and heat pumps between buildings, wastewater and geothermal sources — could reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and lower long-term heating costs in town.
"We burn too much gas and oil to heat our homes," Millman said in the presentation, arguing thermal networks are an important tool to cut fossil-fuel use in residential and municipal buildings. He described existing U.S. projects — including a utility-led pilot in Framingham that operates a roughly one-mile loop serving about 140 customers across 37 buildings — as evidence the approach is operational and replicable.
The presentation covered technical varieties…
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