In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the future of renewable energy, the first utility-owned geothermal network in the U.S. is set to double in size, thanks to a significant financial boost from the Department of Energy (DOE). But here’s where it gets controversial: this $8.6 million grant comes at a time when the Trump administration has been actively slashing billions in clean energy funding, leaving many to wonder why geothermal energy seems to be an exception. Could this be a rare bipartisan win for renewables, or is there more to the story?**
The project, spearheaded by Eversource Energy in Framingham, Massachusetts, marks a pivotal moment for geothermal technology. Completed in 2024, the network’s first phase already serves approximately 140 residential and commercial customers, providing efficient heating and cooling by tapping into the Earth’s steady 55-degree Fahrenheit temperatures through a network of boreholes. Now, with the DOE grant, Eversource, alongside the city of Framingham and the Boston-based nonprofit HEET, aims to expand this network, adding 140 new customers and conducting research to optimize its performance.
And this is the part most people miss: geothermal energy is often overshadowed by wind and solar, yet it’s one of the most energy-efficient ways to regulate building temperatures. By leveraging the Earth’s natural heat, this technology not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also aligns with broader goals of energy independence and sustainability. Framingham’s Mayor Charlie Sisitsky aptly noted, ‘By harnessing the natural heat from the earth, we are taking a significant step toward increasing our energy independence and promoting abundant local energy sources.’
The timing of this grant is particularly intriguing. While the Trump administration has been vocal about its support for fossil fuels and has phased out tax credits for wind, solar, and electric vehicles through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, geothermal energy has largely been spared. President Trump’s executive order declaring an energy emergency included geothermal as part of a limited mix of supported energy resources, alongside fossil fuels, nuclear power, biofuels, and hydropower. This raises a thought-provoking question: Is geothermal energy the renewable underdog that even skeptics can get behind, or is its inclusion merely a strategic concession?
Nikki Bruno, Vice President for Thermal Solutions at Eversource, believes the administration’s backing of geothermal is ‘pretty impactful,’ suggesting it’s a bipartisan technology. Meanwhile, Zeyneb Magavi, HEET’s executive director, emphasizes the project’s potential to ‘clearly demonstrate and quantify the growth potential of geothermal network technology.’
The expansion is not just about adding more customers; it’s also about doing so cost-effectively. By utilizing existing infrastructure, the project is expected to double capacity at roughly half the cost of the initial buildout. Eric Bosworth, a geothermal expert, explains, ‘You’ve already got all the pumping and control infrastructure installed, so you don’t need to build a new pump house.’ Additionally, the network’s efficiency is projected to increase as it grows, thanks to the balancing of heating and cooling demands across buildings.
Despite the optimism, the project still faces hurdles. State regulatory approval is pending, and Eversource hopes to begin construction by the end of 2026. If successful, this expansion could signal the rise of a new kind of utility, one that prioritizes energy security, affordability, and sustainability. As Magavi puts it, geothermal networks ‘can help us address energy security, affordability, and so many other challenges.’
But here’s the bigger question for you: As geothermal energy gains traction, will it remain a bipartisan favorite, or will it eventually face the same political headwinds as other renewables? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this emerging energy frontier.
