The University of Rhode Island (URI) is taking significant steps towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions, adopting a range of renewable energy solutions as part of its broader sustainability strategy.
A major component of this effort is the introduction of geothermal energy within the new Ocean Frontiers Building on the Narragansett Bay Campus—a facility designed to replace the ageing Horn Laboratory with modern, environmentally controlled spaces for advanced scientific research.
As part of the wider campus revitalisation, geothermal power will be harnessed to heat and cool the new building, offering a cleaner, more efficient alternative to conventional systems. According to Seth Pilotte, construction projects manager at the Narragansett Bay Campus, “Geothermal systems reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, stimulate the green economy, and provide long-term savings related to operating and lifecycle replacement costs.”
Geothermal energy relies on natural reservoirs of heated water located beneath the Earth’s surface. By drilling wells into these underground systems, steam or hot water can be accessed and used for a range of applications, including sustainable heating and cooling. For the Bay Campus, the technology is expected to cut heating energy use by 30–60% and cooling demands by up to 50%, while also offering low-maintenance operation and long-term financial benefits. Many such systems recoup installation costs within a decade.
The concept of integrating geothermal energy was first explored in March 2024 within the URI Facilities Group. To assess feasibility, an 850-foot geothermal test well was drilled, supported by a 44-hour thermal conductivity test conducted between 3–5 March. This testing provided crucial data on the geological suitability of the site.
The initiative was funded by a $100,000 grant from PPL Corporation, a leading energy provider operating across four U.S. states. Most of the budget—around 90%—was used for drilling and testing, including compliance with environmental and safety standards. Professor Christopher Baxter from URI’s College of Engineering served as principal investigator, overseeing engineering analysis and reporting.
This project builds on a strategic partnership established in June 2024 between URI and PPL Corporation. The collaboration supports research in renewable energy, climate adaptation, grid decarbonisation, nuclear innovation, and carbon capture. The partnership also launched the PPL Foundation’sUS$100,000 Brighter Futures scholarship, encouraging students interested in clean energy and sustainability. As David Palazzetti, senior director of URI Facilities Operations, said, “Our partnership with PPL enabled us to perform the necessary geothermal research and testing.”
Drilling the test well required specialised equipment capable of coring through clay and bedrock using a hybrid mud-to-air rotary method. Accessing the drilling location posed logistical challenges due to narrow roads, steep gradients, and heavy pedestrian activity. “Access to the site was difficult due to the small width of the roadways and steep elevation changes,” Pilotte added, emphasising the coordination required with the Ocean Robotics Laboratory project.
Once testing concluded, the area was fully restored, and results confirmed strong thermal conductivity and favourable drilling conditions. “The results of the investigation were that the geology possesses excellent thermal conductivity characteristics,” Pilotte said.
Scheduled to open in Autumn 2028, the Ocean Frontiers Building will house research, office, laboratory, and teaching spaces for the Graduate School of Oceanography. The geothermal system may eventually support neighbouring facilities, including the Ocean Science and Exploration Center, the Watkins Laboratory, and the Ocean Robotics Laboratory.