Pennsylvania Clean Energy Program Invests $4.5 Million in Geothermal

Governor Tom Corbett announced that Pennsylvania is expanding its commitment to advance clean, alternative and renewable energy sources with the investment of more than $9.6 million in 13 projects in 11 counties. The state investments are projected to result in more than $109 million in additional economic investments.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) approved 13 projects through the state’s Alternative and Clean Energy Program, including five Compressed Natural Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas fueling stations which have the benefits of reducing emissions, fuel savings and utilizing the large domestic source of natural gas available in the state. “The projects supported by the CFA will help businesses and school districts save collectively on their utility costs and reduce their environ-mental impact,” said Corbett.

The CFA also recognized the importance of geothermal heat pump systems as they approved $4.5 million—or nearly half of clean energy program funds—for new High Performance Building Projects:

• Bucks County Bensalem Township School District will receive a $2 million Alternative and Clean Energy Program grant for the renovation of the Bensalem High School into a LEED Gold high performance building located in Bensalem Township. The funds will be used for energy efficiency upgrades to thermal envelope, the geothermal system, water-saving fixtures, and additional engineering, design and commissioning costs associated with U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
• Carbon County Lehighton Area School District will receive a $750,000 grant for renovation of the East Penn Elementary School in East Penn Township. The project will include a new ground-source geothermal heating and cooling system, installation of energy efficient lighting, and building thermal envelope upgrades. The project is anticipated to reduce energy consumption by 1.13 million kBTU annually and achieve LEED Gold certification.
• Lehighton Area School District will receive a $750,000 grant for renovation of the Mahoning Elementary School in Mahoning Township into LEED Gold high performance building. The project will include a new ground-source geothermal HVAC system, installation of energy efficient lighting, and building thermal envelope upgrades. The project is anticipated to reduce energy consumption by 837,474 kBTU annually.
• Schuylkill County Tri-Valley School District will receive a $565,000 grant for renovation of the Hegins-Hubley Elementary School in Hegins Township. The project will include a new ground-source geothermal HVAC system, installation of energy efficient lighting, and building thermal envelope upgrades. The project is anticipated to reduce energy consumption by 370,583 kWh annually and achieve USGBC LEED Gold certification. Additionally, new low-flow fixtures will save over 218,000 gallons of water annually.
• Tri-Valley School District will receive a $320,000 grant for the renovation of the Mahantongoa Elementary School in Mahantongo Township into a LEED Gold high performance building. The project will include a new ground-source geothermal HVAC system, installation of energy efficient lighting, and building thermal envelope upgrades. The project is anticipated to reduce energy consumption by 230,776 kWh annually. Additionally, new low-flow fixtures will save over 101,500 gallons of water annually.