Technoeconomic Analysis of Geothermal District Heating in the Boston, MA area.

Abstract

This study conducts a comprehensive technoeconomic analysis of geothermal district heating (GDH) in the Boston, MA area, with a specific focus on the MIT campus. The research begins by reviewing the evolution of district energy systems, highlighting various use cases, technologies, and policy developments. It then defines the system problem and establishes a framework for implementing a geothermal district heating system at MIT. The analysis examines the economic viability and decarbonization potential of the GDH system, identifying various system architectures and phased campus sector implementation scenarios. These scenarios are compared to a 'business as usual' reference case. The study reveals that the recommended implementation scenario, MG-E-N-W, not only offers the lowest cost but also achieves the lowest emissions. Over a 30-year period, this scenario presents a net present value (NPV) savings of more than $700 million and 2 million MTCO2e compared to the reference case, making it the most economically and environmentally favorable option for MIT's campus energy system transformation.