Geothermal energy system construction funding provided, and money appropriated.

This bill appropriates $3 million from the renewable development account in fiscal year 2027 to provide a grant to The Heights Community Energy for constructing a geothermal energy system. The funding is designated for a specific recipient organization to build a heating and cooling system that uses underground piping and heat pumps to exchange thermal energy with the earth. The legislation defines the geothermal energy system as one or more heat pumps connected to earth-embedded piping with associated distribution and building mechanical infrastructure. This funding comes from the existing renewable development account established under Minnesota Statutes section 116C.779.