ASSESSMENT OF THERMAL ENERGY ASSETS AND THERMAL ENERGY NETWORK PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY STUDY

2026-11-03

The Town of Royalton seeks expert guidance and technical assistance in evaluating the Town ’ s thermal energy assets and in identifying , screening , and prioritizing opportunities for clean thermal infrastructure , including but not limited to a geothermal energy network . The scope of services includes : A . Geotechnical and Local Thermal Resource Assessment The Consultant shall conduct a site evaluation and geotechnical desktop study of the immediate project area for a potential geothermal network in South Royalton , and a high - level screening of local thermal resources ( e . g ., ground , surface water , wastewater , and other relevant sources ) that could support current or future thermal energy projects in the Town . This work shall provide : • Characterization of the geological and hydrogeological conditions of proposed sites and relevant parameters needed to qualify the opportunity for a ground source energy system , including thermal properties . • Assessment of soil types , stratigraphy , depth to bedrock , groundwater levels , flow direction , and aquifer properties that influence the feasibility and efficiency of geothermal systems and other local thermal resources . • Identification and evaluation of potential physical risks or constraints , including underground infrastructure , aquifers , protected environmental resources , hazardous ground conditions , and brownfield or contaminated sites that may interact with thermal infrastructure . • Recommendations and associated cost estimates for appropriate physical testing , such as drilling of test boreholes or wells , thermal response testing , and laboratory analyses needed to confirm ground conditions and thermal performance parameters . • Identification of potential risks related to geothermal energy network site development compliance with Act 250 in Vermont , including each of the Act 250 criteria listed in 10 V . S . A . § 6086 . B . Building Thermal Energy Asset and Demand Assessments The Consultant shall conduct comprehensive thermal energy assessments tailored to the nature and accessibility of buildings within the Town , with a focus on the Village of South Royalton and other priority areas identified by the Town . For municipal buildings and selected properties with facilitated access , detailed assessments will be performed . For the broader set of commercial and residential buildings where access is limited , a high - level assessment approach combining data analysis , site surveys , and modeling will be employed to efficiently map energy demand profiles and identify barriers to electrification and thermal network participation . • Detailed assessment of municipal buildings , including the Royalton Memorial Library , located at 57 Safford Street , and South Royalton Fire Department , located at 53 Safford Street . The Town of Royalton will facilitate data collection and building access to support this assessment . The detailed assessment should include : o Daily and seasonal operations profile , including space use , occupancy , and operating schedules . o Daily , monthly , and seasonal operational heating and cooling loads . o Building envelope performance parameters . o Specification of existing mechanical systems and ventilation rates , including heating / cooling and domestic hot water systems . o Building energy consumption and fuel types , including annual energy consumption breakdown by end - use and fuel type . o Any barriers to electrification of thermal services or participation in district thermal solutions . o Recommendations regarding participation in a geothermal or other thermal energy network and identification of near - term “ no - regrets ” upgrades that support long - term clean thermal goals .

Vermont

2026-04-28