FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 15, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Cali Torell
cali@goffpublic.com
920-285-6234
Project partners break ground on innovative geothermal energy system at The Heights in Saint Paul
Unique system will heat and cool buildings at 112-acre redevelopment project
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Ward 6 City Councilmember Nelsie Yang, District Energy St. Paul, the Saint Paul Port Authority and community environmental advocates broke ground Monday on the first aquifer thermal energy storage system in Minnesota at The Heights, a 112-acre, mixed-use redevelopment project on the city’s East Side. Click here to download photos from the event.
Once completed, a portion of The Heights will be heated and cooled by one of the largest networked geothermal energy systems in the state, and the first to use aquifer thermal energy. The project is an important step in reaching the City of Saint Paul’s climate goals to be net zero by 2050 for greenhouse gas emissions.
“In tackling the climate crisis, we must also close the financial divide to ensure every resident has access to clean energy,” said Mayor Melvin Carter. “We’re proud to host the state’s first networked geothermal energy system, providing clean heating and cooling to affordable homes and businesses on the East Side.”
In celebration of this milestone, attendees signed a piece of thermal pipeline that will be a part of the underground system and recreated a photo from the 1983 groundbreaking one of the first hot water networked energy systems in the country.
The project was made possible by strong community partnerships and collaboration, including a $4.7 million loan – the first from the new Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority (MnCIFA). Also known as Minnesota’s “green bank,” MnCIFA was established by the Minnesota Legislature to accelerate clean energy projects and advance the state’s climate goals through investments.
The Heights Community Energy will own and operate the geothermal system under the direction of District Energy St. Paul, a long-standing nonprofit utility partner to the City of Saint Paul, and the Saint Paul Port Authority, owner and master developer of The Heights.
“This project is a testament to our shared values as a community and how committed we are to making progress toward our city and state climate goals,” said Luke Gaalswyk, president and CEO of District Energy St. Paul. “It takes robust partnerships like these to bring innovation forward.”
The Heights is currently the largest investment in Saint Paul’s Greater East Side. It is set to deliver 1,000 new housing units and 1,000 living wage jobs, alongside notable housing partners Sherman Associates, JO Companies, and the 2024 Carter Work Project with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. With the addition of a networked geothermal system, The Heights will also play an important role in addressing the high energy burden across the East Side – coupling energy efficient buildings with local and sustainable energy, providing stable rates, and lowering the cost of energy.
“As a community, this project matters so much because we want to be a part of our city’s shared sustainable future. Too often, communities like mine are left out of the environmental solutions,” said Councilmember Yang. “With local renewable energy at The Heights, we are closing the clean energy divide.”
ABOUT DISTRICT ENERGY ST. PAUL
District Energy St. Paul is a leader in community energy, providing Saint Paul with reliable service, stable rates, and sustainable heating and cooling services for 41 years. As a mission-driven organization, District Energy has an ongoing commitment to advance its system through innovation, serving as environmental stewards, and being good community partners. For more information, visit districtenergy.com.
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