The proposed location of the networked geothermal system is an area in East Arlington that includes the Thompson Elementary School, Arlington Housing Authority’s Menotomy Manor development, and surrounding residences. The project team selected this area due to the potential for a networked geothermal project there to reduce the cost of utilities and enhance building occupant comfort in a neighborhood with a higher proportion of lower income and minority residents. The Town plans to use the funds to hire a consulting firm that will assess the feasibility of a geothermal project in the area, as well as support outreach and education in the neighborhood and broader community. 

“We are proud to continue our leadership on climate change mitigation in the state with the receipt of the Kickstart Massachusetts grant,” said Town Manager Jim Feeney. “Networked geothermal technology presents an exciting opportunity to reduce utility bills, save energy, and enhance comfort for residents, all while getting us closer to our greenhouse gas reduction goals.” 

The intent of the Kickstart Massachusetts grant is to identify shovel-ready geothermal projects that can leverage additional grant funds to scale this climate-friendly technology across the state. Networked geothermal systems provide highly efficient heating and cooling without burning fossil fuels in buildings. They rely on heat pumps connected to water-filled pipes under the street and wells 600-feet deep in the ground, where the temperature is constant. Networking several buildings together on a single geothermal system provides greater efficiency because some buildings can use the heat that other buildings may be shedding. 

The project will kick off this spring and is expected to be complete at the end of 2024.