News
January 29, 2025

Eversource Breaks Ground on Underground Energy Project

Caroline Raffetto

Groundbreaking marks launch of fully underground transmission initiative to enhance grid resiliency and support clean energy goals.

BOSTON — Eversource, alongside representatives from BXP, community partners, and state and local officials, has officially started construction on the Greater Cambridge Energy Program (GCEP). This groundbreaking transmission project is designed to meet the region’s growing electricity demand, improve grid resiliency, and advance electrification and decarbonization efforts.

With a forward-thinking approach, GCEP incorporates extensive underground infrastructure, including Eversource’s first subterranean substation—the largest of its kind in the U.S., spanning 35,000 square feet. The substation will be located 105 feet below ground, beneath new public green space between Broadway and Binney Street, seamlessly integrated into BXP’s Life Sciences Center at the former Kendall Center Blue Garage site. As energy demand continues to surge in Cambridge and surrounding areas, this infrastructure will significantly support the electrification of residential heating and reduce commercial reliance on natural gas.

Greater Cambridge Energy Program ...
“Working with our partners at BXP, the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority and the City of Cambridge, the Greater Cambridge Energy Program is a creative solution that helps shape a more sustainable and resilient energy future for our customers in the region,” said Eversource Chairman, President and CEO Joe Nolan. “By taking a collaborative approach with the community and local leaders, this critical energy infrastructure meets several needs for our customers and the region’s energy supply while helping to enable the clean energy transition.”

“The GCEP is a true example of public and private partnership created to solve a critical community challenge. BXP is incredibly proud and fortunate to partner with Eversource, the CRA, and the City of Cambridge to provide a below-grade space for the substation which will power the future of Cambridge,” said Bryan Koop, Executive Vice President for BXP’s Boston region.

The project also includes the construction of eight new 115 kV underground transmission lines covering 8.3 miles through Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston. Additional efforts involve upgrades to five substations—referred to as clean energy hubs—across Cambridge, Somerville, and Allston/Brighton, along with the installation of 48 new distribution lines.

Greater Cambridge Energy Program ...

“Making the transition to a clean energy economy requires creative, tenacious partnerships like the Greater Cambridge Energy Program,” said Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang. “This region is experiencing a surge of new residential and commercial development, while at the same time moving away from fossil fuels. This generates a growing demand for a reliable electrical grid. The Greater Cambridge Energy Program helps address the increased energy needs in the region, enhance the resiliency and reliability of the grid to reliably serve customers in our community, and support the decarbonization goals of both Cambridge and the Commonwealth. Today is a very exciting milestone for our shared goals.”

“The CRA and the City of Cambridge successfully leveraged the value of Kendall Square’s development rights to turn a planning challenge into a groundbreaking opportunity. Through a public-private partnership with Eversource and BXP, we are transforming a parking garage into vital utility infrastructure, cutting-edge lab space for life sciences research, and vibrant open space that enhances the neighborhood,” said Tom Evans, Executive Director of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.

Eversource plans to bring GCEP’s substation and first transmission line into service by 2029, with the remaining transmission infrastructure coming online through 2031. The project is expected to support approximately 500 full-time jobs throughout its duration.

For updates and additional information about the Greater Cambridge Energy Program, visit Eversource’s website. A livestream of the groundbreaking celebration can be viewed on Eversource’s MA Facebook page.

Eversource (NYSE: ES), recognized for its corporate leadership, was recently named the #1 U.S. utility on TIME’s List of World’s Best Companies for 2024. The company delivers electricity, natural gas, and water to customers across Massachusetts and beyond, while leading the charge in energy efficiency and clean energy initiatives. To learn more, visit eversource.com.

News
January 29, 2025

Eversource Breaks Ground on Underground Energy Project

Caroline Raffetto
Construction Industry
United States

Groundbreaking marks launch of fully underground transmission initiative to enhance grid resiliency and support clean energy goals.

BOSTON — Eversource, alongside representatives from BXP, community partners, and state and local officials, has officially started construction on the Greater Cambridge Energy Program (GCEP). This groundbreaking transmission project is designed to meet the region’s growing electricity demand, improve grid resiliency, and advance electrification and decarbonization efforts.

With a forward-thinking approach, GCEP incorporates extensive underground infrastructure, including Eversource’s first subterranean substation—the largest of its kind in the U.S., spanning 35,000 square feet. The substation will be located 105 feet below ground, beneath new public green space between Broadway and Binney Street, seamlessly integrated into BXP’s Life Sciences Center at the former Kendall Center Blue Garage site. As energy demand continues to surge in Cambridge and surrounding areas, this infrastructure will significantly support the electrification of residential heating and reduce commercial reliance on natural gas.

Greater Cambridge Energy Program ...
“Working with our partners at BXP, the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority and the City of Cambridge, the Greater Cambridge Energy Program is a creative solution that helps shape a more sustainable and resilient energy future for our customers in the region,” said Eversource Chairman, President and CEO Joe Nolan. “By taking a collaborative approach with the community and local leaders, this critical energy infrastructure meets several needs for our customers and the region’s energy supply while helping to enable the clean energy transition.”

“The GCEP is a true example of public and private partnership created to solve a critical community challenge. BXP is incredibly proud and fortunate to partner with Eversource, the CRA, and the City of Cambridge to provide a below-grade space for the substation which will power the future of Cambridge,” said Bryan Koop, Executive Vice President for BXP’s Boston region.

The project also includes the construction of eight new 115 kV underground transmission lines covering 8.3 miles through Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston. Additional efforts involve upgrades to five substations—referred to as clean energy hubs—across Cambridge, Somerville, and Allston/Brighton, along with the installation of 48 new distribution lines.

Greater Cambridge Energy Program ...

“Making the transition to a clean energy economy requires creative, tenacious partnerships like the Greater Cambridge Energy Program,” said Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang. “This region is experiencing a surge of new residential and commercial development, while at the same time moving away from fossil fuels. This generates a growing demand for a reliable electrical grid. The Greater Cambridge Energy Program helps address the increased energy needs in the region, enhance the resiliency and reliability of the grid to reliably serve customers in our community, and support the decarbonization goals of both Cambridge and the Commonwealth. Today is a very exciting milestone for our shared goals.”

“The CRA and the City of Cambridge successfully leveraged the value of Kendall Square’s development rights to turn a planning challenge into a groundbreaking opportunity. Through a public-private partnership with Eversource and BXP, we are transforming a parking garage into vital utility infrastructure, cutting-edge lab space for life sciences research, and vibrant open space that enhances the neighborhood,” said Tom Evans, Executive Director of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.

Eversource plans to bring GCEP’s substation and first transmission line into service by 2029, with the remaining transmission infrastructure coming online through 2031. The project is expected to support approximately 500 full-time jobs throughout its duration.

For updates and additional information about the Greater Cambridge Energy Program, visit Eversource’s website. A livestream of the groundbreaking celebration can be viewed on Eversource’s MA Facebook page.

Eversource (NYSE: ES), recognized for its corporate leadership, was recently named the #1 U.S. utility on TIME’s List of World’s Best Companies for 2024. The company delivers electricity, natural gas, and water to customers across Massachusetts and beyond, while leading the charge in energy efficiency and clean energy initiatives. To learn more, visit eversource.com.