An unconventional, green approach to Missouri S&T’s energy challenges, the Geothermal Energy Project is the most comprehensive initiative of its kind in higher education.

When completed in 2014, the Missouri S&T Geothermal Energy Project will supply energy to 15 campus buildings and the campus chilled-water system, which serves much of the university.

Initially, the system is projected to save more than $1 million in energy and operational costs annually. That savings is expected to grow to $2.8 million annually in future years.

The system will include approximately 600 wells with pipes creating closed geothermal loops serving the three campus geothermal plants. Those plants will be housed in Emerson Hall, McNutt Hall and a new chemical and biological engineering building that will be constructed during 2013 and 2014 at 11th and State streets. Each of the three plants will contain heat pump chillers, supplemental cooling towers and gas-fired boilers to provide geothermal energy to surrounding areas of campus.