NYSERDA

Pick a topic, get updates! (opens in new window) Find a Program Find A Contractor About Language Print this page Back to All Programs Large-Scale Thermal Explore Large-Scale Thermal Systems for Your Community What is large-scale thermal? Just a few feet beneath the earth’s surface the underground temperature is a steady at around 54°F throughout the year. Large-scale thermal systems, which use ground source heat pumps (GSHPs), use this steady temperature to heat buildings in the winter and cool them in the summer. When it’s cold outside, GSHPs move the heat from the earth into the buildings they serve, and when it’s hot outside, they move heat from those same buildings into the earth. In addition to geothermal energy, GSHPs can use other sources of thermal energy with consistent temperatures, such as nearby bodies of water or wastewater facilities. There are already examples of where large-scale thermal systems including this one in Brooklyn, NY that capture and reuse heat from the ground and other sources, have been installed in large buildings and campuses throughout New York State. Where do large-scale thermal systems work best? Large-scale thermal systems are often a good solution for a large building or groups of buildings with a variety of heating and cooling loads, such as those found on college campuses, hospital/healthcare settings, multifamily and mixed-used developments, and others. Many sites are already located near low-carbon thermal resources like the waste heat. Project sites with space to install heat exchangers underground (parking lot, greenspace, sewer), in water bodies, and in buildings can capture and reuse the thermal energy that would otherwise be lost through exhaust systems, cooling towers, and wastewater leaving a building. Learn about funding to help with planning and design . Get Started Large-Scale Thermal Program Explore funding for the design and implementation of large-scale thermal projects for one or multiple buildings. Read More Large-Scale Thermal Program Flexible Technical Assistance (FlexTech) Program Complete an energy study with cost-share support from NYSERDA to evaluate your building’s heating and cooling needs. Read More Flexible Technical Assistance (FlexTech) Program Webinars View recordings from the 17-part webinar series on community heat pump systems, developed in partnership with ASHRAE. Read More Webinars (opens in new window) Reports and Resources Access studies about the potential of community heat pumps and step-by-step resources for moving a project forward. Read More Reports and Resources Large-Scale Thermal Projects Explore 50+ community heat pump system projects, including feasibility and design studies for a range of building types across New York State. Read More Large-Scale Thermal Projects Cornell AgriTech Case Study A Community Heat Pump Study helps Cornell assess the feasibility of a thermal energy network solution for its AgriTech Campus. Read More Cornell AgriTech Case Study back to top You Might Also Be Interested In Empire Building Challenge : Access resources and technical assistance to help commercial and multifamily real estate owners implement low-carbon retrofits. Heat Recovery Program : Become a qualified solution provider or funding to advance heat recovery opportunity assessments, project design, demonstration projects, or business development services. Multifamily Building Programs : Explore funding opportunities for multifamily building owners to make energy-efficient upgrades and manage their energy use. On-site Energy Manager Program : Get cost-share support to hire a dedicated on-site energy manager for your multifamily facility. Sign Up For News Stay up to date on the latest program updates. Stay Connected