NYC eyes first U.S. transit thermal energy network to fight subway heat
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- With platform temperatures reaching 96 degrees, one of the hottest subway stations in New York City could soon become the testing ground for a first-of-its-kind effort to cool riders underground while recycling heat above ground.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the MTA announced a partnership Monday to study a thermal energy network at the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall 4/5/6 station and the Chambers Street J/Z complex. The project would use congestion pricing revenue and could become the first thermal energy network installed in a U.S. transit system.
Officials said the system would examine ways to reduce extreme heat on subway platforms by capturing excess underground heat and repurposing it to help warm nearby municipal buildings during the winter.
The announcement also includes plans to renovate the Chambers Street J/Z station, which dates to 1913. City officials said the overhaul would include new structures, tile replacements, stairway upgrades and a top-to-bottom restoration of the historic station.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and MTA leaders are expected to outline additional details at a 10 a.m. news conference in Lower Manhattan.
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