Energy

Blue states aim to expand thermal energy networks

Lawmakers and advocates say they provide cleaner, cheaper heating and cooling for homes and buildings.
The Tottenville neighborhood on Staten Island on the southernmost tip of New York City, shown on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey,File)

Lawmakers in at least nine states are exploring legislation that would allow utilities to develop thermal energy networks — water-filled, underground pipes that connect buildings in a neighborhood and move heat between them.

The pipe system uses the earth, bodies of water and waste heat from buildings to exchange heat. They connect to heat pumps that heat and cool homes and other buildings in the network.

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