Thermal energy networks can build grid resilience, provide a stable source of energy, and offer continued employment to utility workers skilled in traditional energy infrastructure.

Geothermal energy networks will soon become more available in the United States, writes June Kim in Technology Review. “In Framingham, Massachusetts, work has started on the country’s first geothermal network pilot project. Eversource, the utility company in charge, says it has completed 70% of the pipe installation and is on track to finish the project in November.” Meanwhile, New York was the first state to mandate thermal energy network projects from its largest utilities in 2022, and other states are moving forward with similar legislation.
According to Kim, “The advantages of thermal energy networks extend beyond reducing carbon emissions. Scaling them up from a few buildings to a community or utility level can also help make the grid more resilient and efficient.” This is in part because thermal energy, often acquired from waste heat, provides a more stable energy source than other renewables.
Geothermal energy networks are also attractive to unions because, unlike wind or solar installations with new and different technologies and equipment, they “rely heavily on underground piping systems, presenting an opportunity for workers with expertise in maintaining natural gas pipes to transition seamlessly into roles on those kinds of projects.”
FULL STORY: Underground thermal energy networks are becoming crucial to the US’s energy future

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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