To meet Minneapolis’ carbon reduction and equity goals, we need to find effective models for integrated, clean energy development that will benefit our residents and businesses. such as networked geothermal clean energy systems. This technology could help us turn off the reliance on one of our hardest to eliminate fossil fuels – natural gas. The Minneapolis Cool Clean Heat Study will provide a plan for how the City can coordinate the development of geoexchange and water-exchange hubs (“hubs”) through demonstration and scaling of natural gas alternatives that benefit residents and businesses. The City seeks a Consultant who will bring together technical load and asset analysis, financial analysis, community input, and development and planning best practices to uncover the potential, guiding principals, and pathways for implementation to advance this concept. The analysis will review all geographic areas of the city, with a focus on dense zones of commercial and multifamily buildings, to assess areas that are most suitable for networked geothermal development. The Consultant will engage community groups, developers and local businesses, and environmental advocates to create principles of success, to guide the prioritization of hubs beyond technical analysis. The Consultant will evaluate and identify barriers and resources available and recommend the best pathway or pathways for implementation. As part of this process, the Consultant is expected to meet with utility partners, selected City Departments, and other impacted parties to map roles and resources.
