🏛️ Policy Brief: Advancing Thermal Energy Networks in Michigan

Unlocking Infrastructure Efficiency, Economic Development, and Energy Resilience

Executive Summary

Thermal Energy Networks (TENs)—shared systems that distribute heating and cooling through underground loops—offer Michigan a strategic opportunity to modernize infrastructure, reduce energy costs, and create high-quality jobs. By enabling buildings to exchange thermal energy efficiently, TENs support public institutions, housing developments, and commercial districts with scalable, low-maintenance solutions. This brief outlines how TENs can benefit Michigan communities, utilities, and workforce development goals—without relying on climate-based arguments.

🔧 What Are Thermal Energy Networks?

TENs are district-scale systems that connect multiple buildings to a shared loop of underground piping. These systems:

  • Use ground-source or ambient energy for heating and cooling
  • Allow buildings to share excess heat or cooling loads
  • Can integrate with existing HVAC systems or new construction

📈 Key Benefits for Michigan

1. Infrastructure Modernization

  • TENs reduce the need for individual boilers, chillers, and rooftop units
  • Ideal for schools, municipal buildings, and housing clusters
  • Compatible with underground utility upgrades and broadband trenching

2. Economic Efficiency

  • Lower long-term operating costs for public and private buildings
  • Reduce peak electricity demand and grid stress
  • Enable cost-sharing across multiple users, improving ROI for developers

3. Workforce Development

  • Skilled trades required for drilling, piping, controls, and commissioning
  • Aligns with union apprenticeship programs and community college curricula
  • Supports year-round employment in construction and maintenance

4. Energy Resilience

  • TENs operate independently of fuel delivery or volatile energy markets
  • Reduce exposure to price spikes and supply chain disruptions
  • Provide stable thermal service during grid outages or emergencies

5. Public Health and Safety

  • Eliminate combustion-based heating in buildings, improving indoor air quality
  • Reduce noise and mechanical risk from rooftop units and fuel storage
  • Support safer school and housing environments

🧭 Policy Recommendations for Michigan

To unlock these benefits, Michigan can:

  • Authorize TENs under utility regulation to allow cost recovery and pilot programs
  • Fund demonstration projects in schools, municipal campuses, and housing developments
  • Incorporate TENs into infrastructure planning alongside broadband, water, and transportation
  • Support workforce training through grants and partnerships with unions and colleges

📌 Conclusion

Thermal Energy Networks offer Michigan a practical, scalable solution for modernizing infrastructure, lowering costs, and building resilient communities. By advancing TEN policy, Michigan can lead in energy innovation while strengthening public institutions and local economies.