SOUTH DEERFIELD — Residents are invited to hear the findings from a feasibility study exploring geothermal energy in South Deerfield during a Zoom presentation on Thursday, July 17.

The presentation, which will start at 4:30 p.m., will discuss how a networked geothermal system could provide cleaner, affordable heating and cooling. In 2024, Deerfield received a $50,000 grant from HEET, a Boston-based climate nonprofit, and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to undertake a feasibility study on creating a geothermal network focused on the town campus and business community.

The feasibility study, though, showed that while a networked geothermal system is technically viable, the costs of undertaking such a project would not be viable, unless it included every single-family home in a radius from Tree House Brewing Co. to the South Deerfield village. The feasibility study was conducted by Buro Happold Consulting Engineers. The study can be viewed at bit.ly/3U54dDZ.

“It’s coming, we’re trying, but unfortunately the distance between the residences and commercial businesses” makes it not feasible, Deerfield Planning and Economic Development Coordinator Alex Galloway said, referring to the high cost per foot of installing geothermal infrastructure. “Networked geothermal is very new and maybe it will become more feasible in the future.”

Galloway said the presentation is an opportunity for folks to learn about another opportunity to install clean energy in their homes.

“I think it’s really about getting the word out about what it is,” Galloway said, adding that geothermal energy installations could help the state reach its climate goals. “We’re just trying to make sure people are aware of what it is.”

While the town is likely pressing pause on any geothermal plans right now, Galloway said there could be opportunities in the future, as several town projects involve upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

“A lot of the upgraded buildings are going to have HVAC anyway,” she said. “They could, in the future, be pretty easily converted.”

Any future geothermal project would not be the first of its kind in town, as Eaglebrook School has its own system, which the school says has helped “reduce its carbon footprint,” according to a spokesperson in 2024.

“The existing wells provide heating and cooling to about 70,000 square feet of academic space and an additional 7,000 square feet of faculty housing,” the spokesperson said previously. “Eaglebrook offsets the electricity required to operate its geothermal wells using photovoltaic panels installed on the rooftops of several of its academic buildings and indoor sports facilities. … The school’s movement toward carbon neutrality has come at a time when energy demand across the United States has risen to an all-time high.”

To access the Zoom presentation, visit Deerfield’s website. The town has also launched a 10-question community survey aimed at gathering residents’ input and interest in a geothermal network. The survey can be accessed at bit.ly/3TVbKW9.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.