Central Hudson’s new pilot project in Poughkeepsie aims to demonstrate the potential of a shared geothermal energy network

Central Hudson’s Utility Thermal Energy Network (UTEN) pilot project is an innovative initiative to bring sustainable, affordable, and efficient energy solutions to Poughkeepsie. This pilot project will test the viability of networked geothermal heating and cooling technology, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide significant benefits to the local community.

What is a UTEN?

A UTEN is a district energy system that uses underground geothermal loops to provide heating and cooling to buildings. Instead of each building having its own self-contained geothermal HVAC system, the network distributes energy through a shared, closed-loop system.

How does it work?

• Geothermal energy source: The system uses underground borefields, several hundred feet deep, to exchange heat with the Earth.
• Central loop: Water is circulated through a network of pipes connecting buildings, similar to the natural gas system.
• Custom building connections: Each building is equipped with electric heat pumps to utilize the geothermal energy for heating and cooling.

Key benefits

• Energy efficiency: Reduces energy use compared to traditional systems because of the efficiency of geothermal heat pump systems.
• Sustainability: As New York State continues to increase the share of renewables on the electric grid, efficient electric-powered HVAC systems like this can help lower carbon emissions significantly.
• Affordability: These pilot projects are designed so that overall energy costs will be similar to what customers would paid with their current HVAC infrastructure. One hundred percent of the HVAC upgrades in the project will be covered by the utility.
• Community: Supports a community designated as disadvantaged by New York State with modern, clean energy solutions that provide both heating and cooling to customers.

Watch a video about the project

About the Poughkeepsie Project

Central Hudson, along with the other six largest New York State utilities, was asked in 2022 by the state Public Service Commission to propose at least one thermal energy network pilot.

The location

• Central Hudson’s pilot project is located in downtown Poughkeepsie including and adjacent to the proposed Youth Opportunity Union (“the YOU”).
• This site features 14 non-residential and 5 residential buildings in a densely populated area. The featured buildings include an apartment building complex, a large multi-use new construction building, and several small commercial buildings.

Location of the project in Poughkeepsie

Participation

• Participation among building owners is voluntary. Those who choose to participate will benefit from new HVAC infrastructure in their buildings, with installation funded by the utility.
• Central Hudson will be conducting outreach to property owners and residents within the neighborhood before and throughout the duration of the project.

Results

• It is expected that the project could result in an annual decrease of 561 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. (See below)
• The efficacy of this and other projects will be evaluated in the following years to determine if this type of system could be expanded in size, thereby providing a way to decarbonize large numbers of buildings.