Breaking ground on geothermal: A pathway for urban areas

Celine Damide
Proposal Status
Ready for Committee Review
Username
Celine Damide
Proposer First Name
Celine
Proposer Email
celine.damide@brightcoreenergy.com
Proposer Last Name
Damide
Proposer Job Title
Clean Energy Data Analyst
Proposer Additional Info
Submitting behalf of the speakers.
Proposed Session Description
Current pathways to carbon emission reductions are primarily driven through electrification of heating, via heat pumps. One type of heat pump technology that is underutilized in the NYC area is ground source heat pumps (GSHP) or geothermal energy. Heating and cooling from geothermal energy is not a novel technology and has been used in urban areas in North America and Western Europe for some time. However, geothermal is still facing barriers to adoption. This panel will discuss common misconceptions about GSHPs in urban areas and share case studies on successful geothermal systems in the built environment.
Why is this session important?
Replacing fossil fuel heating with GSHPs is an important part of NYS’s clean heating initiative, with large incentive programs to encourage heat pump installations. However, there’s a gap in understanding the technology and its applicability, especially in urban areas where it has been historically challenging to install geothermal. Ground source heat pumps can exceed efficiencies of 400% on peak days which significantly supports a smart electrification transition and keeps energy use/cost low for tenants, especially for affordable housing units. The market has evolved where various GSHP technology and financial solutions are available for different building typologies and market rates. This session would raise awareness that geothermal systems are a viable option to provide renewable heating and cooling in urban areas.

Comments

Elizabeth Engoren Mon, 05/02/2022 - 10:33 am

ROUND 1: MAYBE - This is a good topic and I think it'd be popular but I'm curious what actual case studies they have to present and if the projects are completed. Sounds promising but needs a phone call to get the details. 

Sara Bayer Mon, 05/02/2022 - 9:12 pm

round 1: Maybe - yes its a good topic and important part of the solution matrix.  Definitely needs case studies.  Good to have a mix of presenter types. Hope they can cover how to use the energy internal to the building in different ways.

Stuart Brodsky Wed, 05/04/2022 - 5:32 pm

Maybe.Needs case studies. Important topic because the supply chain is weak...there are few solution providers, few contractors, and even fewer resources to train building operators how this technology can work. If this session can address some of these challenges, then I'm in favor of it. 

Ben Sachs-Hamilton Mon, 05/09/2022 - 12:02 pm

Round 1 Discussion:Would like to ask if there is a case study that could be attached to this session to clearly show how tech challenges have be resolved. Also too many speakers for 60-minute session.

Sara Bayer Thu, 05/26/2022 - 12:31 pm

Round 2 review: Stronly recommend having this session!  If geothermal is not preseted in other sessions, this would be a really good one.  They have case studies, and also retrofit examples.  While there are some presenters from a specific comany that has a special drilling technology (from Sweeden) that makes bedrock, space constraints, and retrofit applications straightforward - they have other panelests to ensure its not only about this technology.  There is not as much attention on advancing drilling technology of geothermal as there has been for fossil fuels so it would be good to generate some excitement about that.  Also, they have an expert on geothermal from NYSERDA on the panel for a well rounded picture, and someone who is working on LL97 implemetation on a gov/advisory level.  They also noted that there is lots of talk about Thermal Energy Networks, which is how geothermal can fit in.  They woudl concider presenting how it fits into "5th generation ambient temp systems" like wastewater heat recovery.  We need all the tools in the toolbox to electrify (and use all waste and renewable energy) and geothermal certainly has a place.  They have case studies in NY They can talk about. 

Ben Sachs-Hamilton Fri, 06/03/2022 - 8:41 am

R2 Discussion:What do you want curator to do? Need to give ROI for projects, what are design considerations you need to know to assess if project is feasible in NYC (code, technology, etc.), highlight retrofit aspect of it, some policy like who owns the heat underground? We ask them to cap at 3 speakers since 60 mins.Putting geothermal in larger context (complexes vs 1 building); speakers all add a lot; if no other geothermal, this would be a good talk. NYS examples but projects in construction too. Question about who owns the heat underground? Is special since drilling technique can be at all angles with minimal vibrations. Use drilling techniques from fossil fuel industry. Goal of talk showing better techniques we can use to expand GSHP access and install

Diversity and Inclusiveness
Clean technologies for heating and cooling are being prioritized in historically disadvantaged communities. In addition to fuel switching, strategies for efficiently managing electric load in the electrification transition are necessary to reduce increasing utility costs in already energy-burdened communities. GSHPs are a large part of addressing thermal energy loads by using electricity efficiently to reduce the energy burden for tenants, especially in affordable housing. This also prioritizes a clean heating and cooling solution that minimalizes roof equipment and increases valuable outdoor space that has historically been limited for disadvantaged communities. In this session, the panelists will touch on how geothermal addresses equity by promoting smart electrification, grid resiliency, and healthy indoor environments.
Learning Objectives
Describe the basics of geothermal systems and their role in the electrification transition, benefit to the grid, and healthy buildings.
Discuss new advances for installing ground source heat pumps in urban areas.
Explore incentives and financing options in Northeastern regions available to increase cost feasibility.
Identity building characteristics and types best for GSHP applications in new construction and retrofits across markets rates.
Has this session been presented before?
No
Additional Comments
N/A

NYC 2022 Areas of Focus

Session Format
Lightning Round (several brief idea pitches followed by discussion)

Strongest Content Connection - NYC 2022

Reviewer 1
Bayer, Sara
Reviewer 2
Bayer, Sara
Curator
Bayer, Sara
Proposal #
108
Session #
109
Committee Decision
Accepted

Presenters