Rockefeller Center Thermal Energy Network
Project Overview
If approved by the New York State Public Service Commission, the Rockefeller Center TEN will recover waste heat from the Rockefeller Center Central Plant-a byproduct of wintertime cooling operations. Rather than being expelled into the atmosphere via rooftop cooling towers, this excess thermal energy will be captured and repurposed.
The recovered heat will be delivered through the TEN—traversing through the nearby subway station—to three nearby commercial buildings in Midtown Manhattan:
- 1221 Avenue of the Americas
- 1230 Avenue of the Americas
- 600 Fifth Avenue
During the winter, these buildings will use water-source heat pumps to extract and upgrade the recovered thermal energy for space heating. The TEN will also provide 1221 Avenue of the Americas with domestic hot water during this time using an additional heat pump. In the summer and shoulder seasons, when the TEN is not operational, customers will use their existing steam heating equipment if they need heat.
The Rockefeller TEN would:
- Provide efficient, reliable, and fossil fuel–free heating and hot water at comparable costs.
- Cover the costs of connecting the buildings to the TEN.
- Expand to include other waste heat sources in the future so more customers can enjoy the benefits of the TEN.
