Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to create a pilot program for capturing waste heat from wastewater treatment facilities in Minnesota. The captured heat will be used to provide energy through district heating systems or other methods. This initiative seeks to explore environmentally sustainable practices by utilizing waste heat.

Main Provisions

• Appropriation: The bill allocates funding from Minnesota's general fund for fiscal year 2026. The funds are directed to the Pollution Control Agency to manage the pilot program.

• Program Implementation: The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency is responsible for:

  1. Identifying wastewater treatment facilities that can capture and use waste heat.
  2. Measuring the energy potential for heating purposes at these facilities.
  3. Funding engineering reviews and designing projects, one within the seven-county metropolitan area and another outside this area.

• Reporting Requirements: By December 1, 2027, a report is required to be submitted to relevant legislative committees. This report should detail:

  • The sites suitable for the program.
  • Challenges and benefits associated with implementing waste heat capture systems.
  • Potential funding sources for future projects.

Significant Changes

The bill introduces a new pilot program focused on energy recovery from wastewater treatment, which is not currently mandated or funded by the state's existing environmental policies. It marks a shift towards innovative energy solutions that could reduce energy waste and possibly lower heating costs.

Relevant Terms

• Wastewater treatment
• Waste heat recovery
• District energy system
• Environmental sustainability
• Fiscal appropriation
• Engineering review
• Legislative report