The transformative potential of geothermal heating in the U.S. energy market: A regional study of New York and Pennsylvania

Our evaluation revealed that EGS district heating has the potential to supply cost-effective energy for space and water heating in several New York and Pennsylvania communities in the near future. To realize wider deployment, modest improvements in EGS technology, escalation of natural gas prices, and/or government incentives will likely be required to enable GDH to compete with other heating alternatives today. EGS reservoir flow rates, drilling costs, system lifetimes, and fluid return temperatures have significant effects on the LCOH of GDH and thus will provide the highest return on R&D investment, while creative implementation strategies can help EGS district heating overcome initial cost barriers that exist today.