In August 2022, PGW received budget approval from the Philadelphia Gas Commission to explore the feasibility of a network geothermal pilot within PGW’s service territory.
PGW is excited to share the results of the Geothermal Feasibility Study, conducted in collaboration with the School District of Philadelphia, the City of Philadelphia’s Parks and Recreation, and Alderson Engineering. The study was undertaken to assess the technical and economic viability of implementing a closed loop geothermal heating and cooling system at the site serving John F. McCloskey Elementary School and Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Center.
The study is one of the efforts PGW is taking to evaluate what role it can play in delivering innovative energy services beyond just natural gas in the future.
*Redactions have been applied to this document to protect sensitive information related to school safety and security. Appendices can be made available upon request.
What is Network Geothermal?
Network geothermal is a renewable energy system that uses underground wells, piping, and heat pumps to transfer heat between buildings and the Earth. In the winter, it draws warmth from the ground to heat buildings. In the summer, it removes indoor heat and returns it underground to cool spaces. This clean energy comes from a combination of solar radiation and the Earth’s internal heat, offering a sustainable way to heat and cool buildings and produce hot water.