Framingham, Eversource Geothermal Project Up And Running

FRAMINGHAM, MA — A commissioning event in Framingham on Tuesday marked the official beginning of the community's Eversource-developed geothermal project.

Eversource broke ground on the construction of the project in June 2023, and customer conversions will continue through this summer with the official pilot start date for data collection beginning in July 2024.

Over the course of two heating and cooling seasons, the project will evaluate whether utility-scale geothermal networks can feasibly and affordably heat and cool homes and businesses in densely populated and mixed-use areas of New England.

The networked geothermal system will be tested in Framingham’s Concord Street neighborhood, where the energy company already provides services to a diverse group of customers – single- and multi-residential and commercial – all within a dense neighborhood, officials said.

Officials said the project connects 31 residential and five commercial buildings to serve approximately 135 total customers with a heating and cooling system that uses renewable power from the earth.

Read more: Eversource's Framingham Geothermal Project Nears Start Date

Mayor Charlie Sisitsky explained how the plan also fits into Framingham's plans for the future.

"Committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, the City of Framingham recognizes the critical role that innovative clean energy solutions such as networked geothermal will play in creating an efficient, equitable, and affordable energy future," said Sisitsky.

"With deep gratitude to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Eversource, HEET, and the many other local organizations and community members who have helped us to reach this remarkable milestone, we look forward to the connection of residents, businesses, and municipal facilities to this network through the official launch of the pilot and exploring future opportunities to extend the benefits of clean heating and cooling across the community."