Our Renewables section will focus primarily on district heating projects powered by renewable energy sources in the forms of biomass, solar thermal, and wastewater energy. There are four stories that we will be highlighting in three communities, the cities of Brainerd, Ely, and Franklin.
The City of Brainerd conducted two major renewable heating projects: a solar thermal air heating system at Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport and a feasibility study and research partnership on the potential for wastewater district heating in the City of Brainerd.
The cities of Ely and Franklin investigated biomass district heating. The City of Franklin installed a biomass boiler district heating system which now fully heats three municipal buildings: the city hall, the fire hall, and the city maintenance shop. Meanwhile, Ely conducted a feasibility study on biomass district heating.
Not all EECBG-funded projects that focused on renewable energy are highlighted in this section. In fact, many of them are included in other series such as “Commercial Efficiency,” “Transportation Infrastructure,” and “Community Engagement” because of their multifaceted approach to implementing the project. Included in these projects are: Solarize Kingfield under commercial efficiency, and Energy Innovation Corridor, St. Paul Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and St. Paul RiverCentre Parking Ramp, all to be published in our Transportation Infrastructure section.
Stay tuned over the next few weeks for more on the heating projects in Brainerd, Ely, and Franklin, and throughout the summer for more renewable energy projects!
Other Local Government Energy Action Renewables Stories:
- Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport solar thermal air heating system
- Untapped wastewater energy in Brainerd
- Biomass boilers in Franklin fully heat three buildings
About the Local Government Energy Action Series:
This year-long effort tells the stories of nearly 50 Minnesota municipalities, counties, and schools and the tangible results of their energy-saving efforts to inspire others to take their own actions.
Local Government Energy Action is brought to you by the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources.
