Rochester Launches Minnesota’s First Thermal Energy Network

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The City of Rochester is about to launch Minnesota's first operational thermal energy network.

Beginning this week, the Mayo Civic Center, Rochester Art Center, Rochester Civic Theater, and the Rochester Public Library will be connected to the geothermal heating and cooling system that became operational for City Hall last year. A news release says the system, developed in partnership with Destination Medical Center, currently provides year-round heating and cooling to the facility using two high-capacity geothermal wells.

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Minnesota’s First Thermal Energy Network Comes Online

The network connecting the other city facilities represents the second phase of the project, which was launched seven years ago after it was learned that the underground steam lines from the Olmsted County Waste-to-Energy Facility would be decommissioned in 2023. The steam lines were previously used to heat and cool all of the downtown Rochester city buildings.

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Project Saves City Nearly $1 Million in Annual Energy Costs

“This is the first system of its kind in Minnesota to serve multiple public buildings with 100% renewable geothermal energy,” said Mayor Kim Norton. “It’s designed to heat and cool more than 850,000 square feet of space year-round, regardless of weather, while saving the City an estimated $900,000 in energy costs each year. It’s a bold step toward a more sustainable and resilient future for Rochester.”

According to the news release, the geothermal network allows the city facilities to “exchange thermal energy, transferring heat where it is needed most and enabling simultaneous heating and cooling.” Natural gas service to the buildings will be maintained to provide a backup fuel source.

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Network Designed for Future District-Wide Expansion

City officials note that the geothermal system was designed for expansion. While no privately owned buildings are connected, the design allows for the creation of a future district-wide thermal energy network that could include nearby private developments.

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The news release also notes that geothermal heating and cooling has been used by the City of Rochester for more than 15 years. The Rochester Public Utilities building, the Rochester Transportation Center, and Fire Station 2 all use geothermal systems.

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Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio