Highlights
- Realizing that Massachusetts will not meet its emissions reduction targets if the state continues to use natural gas, the Department of Public Utilities is investigating the future of natural gas companies at the request of State Attorney General Maura Healey
- Electrification of buildings, energy efficiency, and geothermal network applications through a concept called GeoMicroDistrict are the potential alternatives to natural gas use that are being explored in the state
- The GeoMicroDistrict was created by Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) and it allows heat pumps in individual buildings transferring thermal energy between a shared district water loop and their own heating and cooling distribution systems
- These geothermal distribution centers could be standalone or could be interconnected systems
- HEET has three pilot programs launching in the Boston area
- The program attempts to have geothermal heating as a new venture for gas companies who will likely be phased out if they do not adapt to the move away from natural gas
The Climate Center’s Climate-Safe California Platform advocates for a formal California State commitment by 2022 to 80% below 1990 levels of greenhouse gas emissions and net negative emissions by 2030 for a climate-safe future. This bold target requires accelerating the phase-out of fossil fuels.
Nina Turner
Energy Programs and Communications CoordinatorJanina is a graduate of the Energy Management and Design program at Sonoma State University with experience in non-profits that specialize in sustainability and volunteerism.
