Geothermal
Learn how geothermal works, where it's being used today, and how Clover Energy by VGS is helping make this efficient technology more accessible in new construction projects across Vermont.
Geothermal heating and cooling
Clover Energy by VGS delivers geothermal solutions by working closely with builders and project teams to bring systems from concept through long-term operation. As part of VGS, we bring decades of experience managing underground energy infrastructure, which makes us well suited to oversee the design, installation, and long-term maintenance of the subsurface systems geothermal relies on.
What is Geothermal?
Geothermal systems use the consistent temperature below the earth’s surface to heat and cool buildings year-round.
An underground loop circulates fluid that transfers heat between the building and the ground. In winter, heat is drawn from the ground and brought indoors. In summer, heat is removed from the building and returned to the ground.
Because underground temperatures remain stable, geothermal systems provide consistent indoor comfort across seasons. They are among the most efficient heating and cooling technologies available and can offer lower operating costs compared to other electric options over time. Geothermal systems also rely on long-lasting infrastructure, with underground loops designed to last 50 years or more, and they support all-electric buildings that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Winter operation: The geothermal system draws heat from the ground through the underground loop and transfers it into the home to provide efficient heating.
What Clover Energy Does
Clover Energy delivers geothermal systems. Our role centers on working alongside builders and project teams to bring these systems to life:
- Overseeing geothermal system design in partnership with developers, engineers, and project teams
- Installing underground loop infrastructure and coordinating system integration
- Owning and maintaining the underground geothermal infrastructure
- Providing ongoing service and maintenance
Customers own the in-building equipment, including the ground-source heat pump and distribution system, and pay a monthly access fee that supports the operation, maintenance, and long-term performance of the underground geothermal system.
Who We Serve Today
Today, Clover Energy geothermal solutions are available through select new construction projects. We support both individual geothermal systems and shared geothermal networks, depending on the needs of the development.
We work with:
- Builders and developers
- Affordable housing partners
Current and recent work includes:
- Riggs Meadow in Hinesburg, where geothermal systems will provide heating and cooling for multiple buildings within a new affordable housing development.
- All-electric residential neighborhoods like Hillside East in South Burlington, where geothermal is being deployed in new homes alongside other electric heating options.
- Pilot programs in single-family new construction, evaluating installation, costs, and performance compared to air-source systems.
These projects enable geothermal systems to be installed at a development scale, which helps improve cost-effectiveness, streamline installation, and support strong system performance.
At this time, geothermal is primarily available through new construction partnerships and is not broadly offered for existing buildings or individual retrofits.
How We Make Geothermal Easier
A key barrier to geothermal adoption is the upfront cost and uncertainty that can come with newer technology. Clover Energy helps address these challenges by installing and, in many cases, owning the underground loop system, allowing costs to be spread over time through predictable monthly payments. We also provide ongoing maintenance and service, while working closely with builders to reduce construction risk and improve familiarity with geothermal installation.
This approach is designed to make geothermal more accessible while generating real-world data on system performance and costs in Vermont homes.
Building the Future of Energy Together
Clover Energy sees geothermal as an important part of Vermont’s energy future. As we continue to expand our work, we are focused on growing partnerships with builders and developers, scaling geothermal in new construction, and building the real-world experience needed to reduce cost and uncertainty over time.
New developments present a unique opportunity to integrate efficient, all-electric heating and cooling from the start. By installing and supporting geothermal systems in these communities, we are helping create reliable, low-emission energy solutions that serve residents, businesses, and future generations.