Blue Earth County Energy-Efficiency Project

Lead Performer: Blue Earth County, MN
Partners: Blue Earth County, MN; McKinstry
DOE Total Funding: $4,330,000
Cost Share: $1,082,400
Project Term: May 1, 2023 – December 31, 2025
Funding Type: Congressionally Directed Spending Project (CDS)

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this clean energy applied technologies project is to advance Blue Earth County, Minnesota, as a leader in sustainability and decarbonization research achievements by applying clean energy technologies at public/county-owned facilities that will move the county toward Near Net Zero Energy Performance. The objectives are to:

• Deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at the Government Center, Historic Courthouse, library, Justice Center, and new Public Works building in Blue Earth County. 
• Replace remaining pneumatic controls with direct digital controls (DDC) at the Historic Courthouse.
• Install new electronic controls for controlling and monitoring the two AERCO boilers and the Parker boiler at the library to maximize the efficiency of the equipment.
• Retrofit and replace existing lighting and controls to light emitting diode (LED) technology at the Historic Courthouse, library, and Justice Center.
• Install a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the new Public Works building.

PROJECT IMPACT

The Blue Earth County Energy-Efficiency Project provides a concept that works to integrate sustainable solutions into the county’s public facilities. Solutions include solar PV, building energy efficiency and conservation measures, a geothermal heating and cooling system, EV charging installations and energy performance monitoring and reporting systems. The locations selected, which include the Historic Courthouse, Justice Center, Government Center parking ramp, library and Public Works campus, are vital to the community, residents, workforce, critical infrastructure, businesses, and institutions. 

CONTACTS

DOE Technology Manager: Megan Plog