Could Thermal Energy Be New York’s Best Shot at Reaching its Climate Goals?
Environmental advocates say a little-known infrastructure solution called thermal energy networks can significantly reduce a building’s carbon footprint. This is particularly important in New York City. where over 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings.
The technology, however, only accounts for about 0.4 percent of electricity generated in the U.S., because harnessing thermal energy requires drilling deep underground, which can be difficult and expensive. “It’s a little bit like electric cars where it’s more expensive upfront, but then it’s much less expensive to own and run,” said Heather Deese, director of policy and regulatory affairs at the thermal energy company Dandelion Energy.
