Can geothermal networks transform our thermal energy systems?
This introductory session from MIT OpenCourseWare explores how geothermal energy networks (GENs) can drive the transition toward clean, renewable energy. It provides an essential overview of the collaborative efforts between MIT and HEET to redesign our thermal infrastructure.
Offered during the January 2025 Independent Activities Period (IAP), this course brings together perspectives from over 20 experts and stakeholders. The curriculum examines the multifaceted challenges of implementing geothermal energy networks, ranging from the technicalities of drilling, construction, and commissioning to the broader societal impacts.
The session covers critical dimensions of the energy transition, including policy innovations, workforce development, and environmental justice. It also investigates the design principles of GENs, their modeling impacts on the electric grid, and the large-scale expansion of these networks at both city and societal levels.
Source: Session Introduction: Geothermal Energy Networks: Transforming Our Thermal Energy System
