2026 Thermal Energy Networks Symposium
In 2024, we hosted our first Thermal Energy Networks Symposium. Since then, this emerging clean-energy solution has accelerated nationwide:
- Twelve states have passed legislation related to TENs since 2021.
- Twenty-six utility pilot proposals are being considered by regulators across the country.
- Massachusetts enacted clean energy grid legislation that will empower the gas-to-geo transition.
- Colorado has allocated millions of dollars to campuses, municipalities, and nonprofits looking to use the “heat beneath our feet.”
- An update to federal tax law means third-party companies can now lease TENs and other geothermal systems to residents.
It’s clear: Progress is moving fast, and we need to work together to succeed. Our third Thermal Energy Network Symposium will bring together all stakeholders necessary to share best practices, dialogue across industries, and learn how we can all partner for opportunities and manage challenges in this exciting industry
Why Baltimore, Maryland?
Maryland is a trailblazer for TENs! In 2024, the state passed HB0397, the Working for Accessible Renewable Maryland Thermal Heat (WARMTH) Act. The Act allows gas, electric and water utilities to own thermal energy networks, while requiring gas companies with more than 75,000 customers to propose pilot projects. The WARMTH Act also includes very strong provisions for labor and job creation among other critical requirements. Strong grassroots organizing support means that local communities are engaged on TENs and ready to work toward installing these systems in the areas of greatest opportunity and need.
What is a Thermal Energy Network?
Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) are neighborhood-scale systems that provide efficient, climate-friendly heating and cooling through shared water-filled pipes. They move heat in and out of buildings using sources like lakes, wastewater, or the steady temperature of the earth. Geothermal networks, a type of TEN, use shallow boreholes to tap into underground energy, even storing excess heat like a “thermal battery.” By replacing gas pipelines and easing grid strain, TENs bring clean, reliable, and equitable energy to entire communities.
Why Thermal Energy Networks? Implementation of Thermal Energy Networks provide an array of benefits, including but not limited to:
- Achieves over 500% efficiency, reducing household and business energy use.
- Lowers energy bills, eliminates fuel costs, and avoids price volatility.
- Provides both heating and cooling through efficient ground-source heat pumps.
Participants in the 2026 Thermal Energy Networks Symposium will gain critical insights from educational sessions and panels provided by leading industry experts focusing on the financing, design, implementation and installation of TENs systems.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about these cutting-edge solutions, collaborate with your peers and make new contacts to help you move forward with your TENs project!
- Academics
- Advocates (rate payer, labor unions, environmental justice, community-based, environmental)
- Advocates’ Coalitions
- Architects
- City/County Commissioners
- City/County Managers
- City/County Planners
- Commercial Developers
- Engineering Firms (MEP+)
- Facilities Managers
- Energy Regulators
- Geothermal Experts
- Municipal and Town officials
- Operations and Facilities Directors
- Policymakers
- Public Works Directors
- Renewable Energy Non-Profit Leaders
- Residential Developers
- Rural Electric Co-ops
- School Administrators
- Sustainability Managers
- Sustainability Stakeholders
- Utility Companies (gas, power, and water)