Explore why geothermal energy—thanks to its tiny land footprint, round-the-clock reliability, and seamless integration with solar, wind and urban thermal networks—is emerging as a cornerstone of a sustainable, resilient, high-density clean-energy future.

As refineries confront mounting heat and water challenges, geothermal exchange is emerging as a game-changing solution that can slash water use, boost resiliency and turn industrial waste heat into a valuable community asset.

With strong federal backing and growing collaboration between low- and high-temperature technologies, the geothermal industry is poised to reshape America’s energy future through integrated thermal networks that boost efficiency, resilience and sustainability.

Thermal energy network events in early 2025, including five significant gatherings across various locations, highlight the growing importance of geothermal technology in urban energy systems. 

The Inflation Reduction Act offers significant incentives for geothermal HVAC projects through 2032, including tax credits and direct funding.

Decarbonizing buildings and industry is crucial for reducing global energy consumption, predominantly in the form of heat. Thermal energy storage plays a significant role in this process by reducing reliance on electrical energy and batteries. Thermal energy networks that connect multiple buildings into a shared energy network can significantly reduce electrical demand and consumption.

Wastewater energy transfer has risen to the top as a preferred initial method to begin the decarbonization efforts for commercial buildings and thermal energy networks of all types and sizes.

Thermal energy networks can increase the value of other heating/cooling industry opportunities: increased employment of pipefitters and mechanical engineers, repiping of old buildings, improvements in heat pump design, wastewater system design with heat transfer, geothermal heat pump training and quality inspections.  

This city, which prides itself on progressive, bold and community-centered ideas, uses geothermal and thermal energy networks to help reach its goal of 100 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the next 30 years.