BOSTON — City officials and clean energy leaders are advancing a new initiative to determine whether thermal energy from local waterways can be harnessed to heat and cool buildings across the city.
The Boston Thermal Energy Network Project, known as BosTEN, is backed by a $500,000 investment from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and the Boston city government. The yearlong study will evaluate whether water sources such as Boston Harbor, the Charles River and the Mystic River can provide large-scale, low-carbon heating and cooling for multiple buildings.
Led by the Boston Green Ribbon Commission, the project aims to assess whether a thermal energy network could reduce costs, lower emissions and ease pressure on traditional gas and electric systems.
“Thermal energy networks are an exciting potential path to reduce energy costs and address growing demand for heating and cooling powered by clean energy,” said Ben Downing, CEO of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. “The BosTEN Project will deepen our understanding of how these systems can strengthen our grid, manage peak demand, and make Massachusetts more energy independent.”
The BosTEN initiative comes as Massachusetts continues to pursue policies and funding mechanisms to modernize its energy infrastructure. In 2025, Gov. Maura Healey proposed the Energy Affordability, Independence & Innovation Act, which seeks to reduce upfront costs associated with geothermal and thermal energy systems.
The proposed legislation would introduce financing tools to help property owners install efficient heating and cooling equipment. These systems, while capital-intensive at the outset, are generally more affordable to operate over time and can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, Healey has signed an executive order directing state agencies to accelerate permitting and identify opportunities for expanding geothermal and thermal energy resources.
Thermal energy networks differ from traditional district energy systems by circulating ambient-temperature water rather than steam or hot water. Buildings connected to the network exchange heat through shared infrastructure, drawing from sources such as geothermal wells, waste heat, surface water and even outside air.
The BosTEN project will analyze how thermal energy can be captured from Boston Harbor, the Charles River and the Mystic River, as well as underground bedrock and nearby channels like Fort Point Channel.
Researchers will examine the availability of thermal energy, projected demand, and the most cost-effective methods for distributing energy through a network of connected buildings. The study will also evaluate regulatory and permitting challenges and outline steps needed to attract private investment if the concept proves viable.
“By exploring thermal energy, we’re opening an opportunity to keep our buildings comfortable year-round while maintaining stable electricity costs and paving the way for other cities across the Commonwealth to do the same,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
Thermal energy networks have been used for decades in North America, particularly in institutional settings such as universities and hospital campuses. However, broader adoption by utilities has been limited, with only a handful of projects currently underway.
Massachusetts is among several states — including California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington — that have implemented policies supporting thermal energy development, according to Climate Xchange.
The Green Ribbon Commission’s membership includes major energy users such as universities, hospitals and commercial real estate operators, which will contribute data to help determine the feasibility of scaling the system citywide.
If successful, the BosTEN project could position Boston as a leader in next-generation energy infrastructure, offering a model for cities seeking to decarbonize building systems while improving long-term energy affordability.
Originally reported by Joe Burns, Reporter in Facilities Dive.
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