RFP – Feasibility study for geothermal heating and cooling in Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia from the Delaware River (source: Abhiram Juvvadi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Carlo Cariaga
18 Mar 2025
Philadelphia Gas Works is seeking a qualified firm to do a feasibility study for a planned geothermal heating and cooling system for school district buildings.
Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is currently accepting proposals from qualified firms for a geothermal site survey and feasibility study for planned geothermal heating and cooling systems in two locations in the city of Philadelphia in Pennslyvania, United States.
Proposals will be accepted only until 15 April 2025. More details and bid documents can be accessed via the PGW Procurement Portal.
The goal of the RFP is to identify a firm to conduct a detailed site survey and feasibility study to determine the technical and economic viability of implementing a shared geothermal heating and cooling system at the primary networked site, which is the John F. McCloskey Elementary School and Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Center. A secondary site, the Lankenau High School, will also be evaluated if necessary.
PGW is a city-owned gas utility that has been under pressure in the past few years to explore alternative energy sources to reduce carbon emissions. Establishing geothermal networks was one suggestion made to the company by a 2021 study, as well as a group of area congregations.
“We have been advocating for PGW to conduct a networked geothermal pilot project for several years,” said Mitch Chanin, a member of POWER Interfaith. “We’re glad to see PGW taking this step.”
Replacing aged and inefficient systems
PGW met with city representatives and other experts to select locations that will work best for a geothermal pilot. McCloskey was chosen as it is one of the schools that does not have air-conditioning, but has ample nearby space for geothermal wells. Built in 1956, McCloskey currently relies on oil heating.
”We’ll see the largest benefit if we switch to a geothermal system as far as reduction of greenhouse gases,” said Victoria Flemming, interim executive director of the Office of Environmental Management and Services for the school district. “It aligns with just having a healthier, safer learning environment and improved air quality, and energy savings.”
Source: PGW Procurement and The Philadelphia Inquirer
