New Haven identified geothermal energy as a viable solution for its Union Station and adjacent redevelopment zone. The City advanced a geothermal heating and cooling network to replace conventional systems with a low-emissions alternative that uses stable underground temperatures. CDM Smith was engaged to support subsurface investigation and system planning, beginning with deep test bores to confirm subsurface and water conditions. The work establishes the technical foundation for a scalable geothermal network designed to serve Union Station and up to 1,000 planned residential units.
The team supported drilling and evaluation of 1,250-foot test bores to assess subsurface and groundwater conditions. A 2-inch HDPE U-bend loop was installed for thermal conductivity testing and geothermal system design.
Using test data, CDM Smith refined the geothermal model, supported phasing up to 150–200 boreholes, and planned tie‑ins for future Union Square blocks.
CDM Smith coordinates with the drilling subcontractor and the city, integrating controls with existing boilers/chiller for reliable backup.
Development of U‑bend loop design, depths, spacing and headering, optimizing flow, pumps and heat exchange for station and housing loads.
The project includes drilling two test bores—one along Columbus Avenue to approximately 850 feet and another near Union Station to approximately 1,250 feet. CDM Smith is testing groundwater and subsurface conditions from these bores to validate the design of a full geothermal network that could include 150 to 200 vertical boreholes, each more than 1,000 feet deep. “This is the most efficient heating and cooling system available,” says City Climate & Sustainability Executive Director, Steve Winter. Once complete, the network is expected to be built out over 1-2 years and will retain existing gas boilers and a chiller for redundancy, helping reduce emissions and utility costs.
Reach out to an expert to find out how we delivered this project.
Geotechnical Engineer
Chris is a geotechnical engineer experienced in field investigations, laboratory testing and technical reporting, with additional expertise in geothermal system design using GLD software.
