Eversource breaks ground on Greater Cambridge Energy Program, launching largest underground substation in U.S.

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Eversource has begun construction on the , a groundbreaking initiative that will introduce the largest underground substation in the United States. This first-of-its-kind infrastructure project aims to modernize the energy grid, improve resiliency, and support the clean energy transition by integrating advanced electrification solutions.

The underground substation project will be located 105 feet beneath new public green space in Kendall Square, transforming a former parking garage site into a state-of-the-art energy hub. Designed in collaboration with , the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, and city officials, the project will expand the region’s power capacity while ensuring minimal visual and environmental impact.

Eversource begins Greater Cambridge Energy construction with largest underground substation in the U.S.
Eversource begins Greater Cambridge Energy construction with largest underground substation in the U.S. Graphic courtesy of Business Wire.

Why Is an Underground Substation Necessary for Cambridge’s Growing Energy Needs?

As Cambridge experiences rapid residential and commercial expansion, electricity demand has surged. The transition toward cleaner energy—driven by electrification policies, widespread adoption of electric vehicles, and growing use of heat pumps—has put additional pressure on the existing grid. The underground substation project addresses this demand by increasing transmission capacity while aligning with Massachusetts’ climate goals.

The Greater Cambridge Energy Program will also play a crucial role in decarbonization by facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. By expanding the power grid’s flexibility, Eversource ensures that new developments can operate efficiently without increasing reliance on fossil fuels.

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What Makes This Underground Substation the Largest of Its Kind?

At 35,000 square feet, the underground substation project is unlike any other in the U.S. Instead of occupying above-ground space, which is often limited in urban areas, this facility is designed to be fully integrated beneath a new public plaza in Kendall Square. The substation will be linked to the grid via eight new 115-kilovolt (kV) underground transmission lines spanning 8.3 miles through Cambridge, Somerville, and .

Unlike traditional substations, which often face public opposition due to their footprint, this underground model eliminates concerns related to aesthetics, noise, and land use. The project’s innovative design sets a precedent for other metropolitan areas seeking to modernize their infrastructure while preserving urban landscapes.

How Will the Greater Cambridge Energy Program Support the Clean Energy Transition?

Eversource’s clean energy transition strategy prioritizes electrification, grid modernization, and decarbonization. The new underground substation will significantly increase the grid’s ability to accommodate carbon-free energy sources while ensuring uninterrupted power supply for homes and businesses.

This initiative is expected to:

  • Enable full electrification of residential heating in Cambridge
  • Displace 50% of commercial gas demand by transitioning to electric heating
  • Improve grid resiliency to withstand extreme weather conditions
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By strengthening the regional transmission network, the Greater Cambridge Energy Program enhances the ability to incorporate offshore wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources into the grid, further accelerating Massachusetts’ shift toward sustainable power solutions.

How Are Public-Private Partnerships Driving This Energy Innovation?

The success of the underground substation project is largely attributed to collaboration between public and private stakeholders. Eversource Chairman, President, and CEO Joe Nolan emphasized that the project demonstrates how energy companies, urban planners, and local officials can work together to implement forward-thinking infrastructure.

“By taking a collaborative approach with the community and local leaders, this critical energy infrastructure meets several needs for our customers while helping to enable the clean energy transition,” Nolan stated.

BXP’s Executive Vice President for the Boston region, Bryan Koop, underscored the significance of the project, highlighting how integrating energy infrastructure within a mixed-use development allows for sustainable urban growth.

What Is the Construction Timeline for the Greater Cambridge Energy Program?

The underground substation project is being developed in multiple phases, with an expected operational date in 2029. The first of the new transmission lines will be energized at that time, while full completion, including system-wide integration, is anticipated by 2031.

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Throughout the construction period, approximately 500 full-time jobs will be supported, contributing to regional economic growth. The project also involves upgrades to five existing substations, reinforcing Cambridge’s energy resilience for decades to come.

How Does the Greater Cambridge Energy Program Set a New Standard for Urban Infrastructure?

By embedding critical energy infrastructure beneath public spaces, the underground substation project redefines how cities can modernize their power grids without disrupting urban landscapes. This innovative approach not only ensures a reliable electricity supply but also preserves community spaces, demonstrating that large-scale infrastructure can be seamlessly integrated into city planning.

As urban areas nationwide grapple with rising energy demand and the need for decarbonization, the Greater Cambridge Energy Program serves as a model for the future of development. By prioritizing underground solutions, Eversource is setting a precedent for how densely populated cities can transition toward cleaner, more resilient power systems.


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