| Description:
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Written report documenting the findings of a thermal energy network site suitability study to determine the suitability of sites to deploy thermal energy networks statewide, identifying areas more and less suitable for deployment of thermal energy networks statewide, and potential barriers to the deployment of thermal energy networks and potential ways to address the barriers, while considering:
(1) geologic or hydrologic access to thermal storage;
(2) the existing built environment, including but not limited to age, density, building uses, existing heating and cooling systems, and existing electrical services;
(3) the condition of existing natural gas infrastructure;
(4) road and street conditions, including planned replacement or maintenance;
(5) local land use regulations;
(6) area permitting requirements; and
(7) whether the area is an environmental justice area
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| Committee/Agency Jurisdiction:
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Energy Policy and Finance
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| Note:
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In the Description above, under (7), "environmental justice area" is as defined in Minn. Stat. 116.065 Subd. 1(e): one or more census tracts in Minnesota located within Indian Country or in which, based on the most recent Census, 40% or more of the population is nonwhite; 35% or more of the households have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level; or 40% or more of the population over the age of five has limited English proficiency.
"Thermal energy network" means a project that provides heating and cooling to multiple buildings connected via underground piping containing fluids that, in concert with heat pumps, exchange thermal energy from the earth, underground or surface waters, wastewater, or other heat sources.
The Minn. Dept. of Commerce must conduct or contract for this study.
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