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Thermal Energy Network feasibility stalled despite NYSERDA cost-share award, members say deep wells and spacing pose challenges
Summary
A written update reported a completed Thermal Energy Network feasibility study and a NYSERDA cost-share award for phase 1 engineering, but board members said the project has been stalled and highlighted technical barriers—anchor off-takers, multiple deep wells and well-spacing issues that can lower ground temperature.
The advisory board reviewed a written update on the Thermal Energy Network (TEN) that reported an initial feasibility study is complete and that NYSERDA awarded a 50% cost-share grant for phase 1 engineering and design, but that the project has not advanced in recent years.
Nancy Bernstein provided the written update; Garrett Marino said he will review the feasibility study to understand why work stalled. Steve Halasz described technical constraints for geothermal/TEN systems in the Adirondacks: large anchor off-takers are required, many deep wells may be needed (he cited an example of three 500-foot wells for a single police station), and wells must be carefully spaced to avoid "robbing" each other of ground temperature (about 47–48°F in the area). He noted directional drilling as a possible mitigation.
The board recorded action items to obtain and review the TEN feasibility study so members can determine whether the NYSERDA-funded engineering phase can be restarted or redesigned to address those subsurface constraints.
