Clean Energy Jobs Coalition founding member and International Representative for the New York State Pipe Trades Association, John Murphy was featured heavily in City Limits this November on the topic of thermal energy networks.
The State of New York has set unprecedented clean energy goals for the state, passing legislation that wants to cut emissions by 85 percent by 2050. However, without the proper infrastructure in place, this goal may not be achievable. Thermal energy networks are one way to bridge the gap to a clean energy future while preserving good union jobs for a just transition.
Murphy told City Limits, “Thermal energy networks is the closest solution that we’ve seen to a just transition [away from fossil fuels] that would allow workers to pivot and move into another sector, and in the case of union workers, continue to have their medical coverage and pension credits.”
As the US Department of Energy has reported, these thermal energy networks can be anywhere from 300 to 600 percent more energy efficient than conventional air source heat pumps. Currently, Con Edison has proposed three pilot projects in New York State to test out the capabilities of these thermal energy networks.