2026 Thermal Energy Networks Symposium
As states and municipalities nationwide are seeking energy solutions to reduce costs and increase reliability, while reducing and/or eliminating carbon emissions, Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) have quickly emerged as a leading solution to this energy conundrum.
- New York enacted the Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act of 2022 which mandates utilities to implement Thermal Energy Networks.
- Massachusetts enacted clean energy grid legislation in December 2024 that reforms the siting and permitting of clean energy facilities and reforms the gas distribution system to empower the gas to geo transition.
- In 2024, Maryland passed HB0397, Working for Accessible Renewable Maryland Thermal Heat (WARMTH) Act allowing gas, electric and water utilities to own energy networks while requiring gas companies with more than 75,000 customers to propose pilot projects. The WARMTH Act also includes strong provisions for labor and job creation among other critical requirements.
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)