SF 3211

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 04/02/2025 10:29 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to energy; appropriating money for a geothermal energy system at
Macalester College.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; MACALESTER COLLEGE GEOTHERMAL
ENERGY SYSTEM.
new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 116C.779, subdivision 1, paragraph (j),
$2,570,000 in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the renewable development account
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116C.779, subdivision 1, to the commissioner of commerce
for a grant to Macalester College in St. Paul to construct an aquifer-based geothermal energy
system that provides space heating and cooling to a new campus residence hall and welcome
center, with the capacity for future expansion to serve as a district heating and cooling plant
for all campus buildings north of Grand Avenue. The appropriation under this section is
available until expended.
new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of this section, "aquifer-based geothermal energy system" means a
system composed of wells that access underground aquifers, heat pumps that transfer thermal
energy between buildings and the aquifer, heat exchangers, and associated distribution
infrastructure.
new text end