Ball State replaces coal boilers with geothermal

November 03, 2011

Like their counterparts at Purdue (see Sept. 26 Power Report story), Ball State University’s trustees were faced with decisions about what to do with aging coal-fired boilers. The school’s four boilers delivered hot water for heat to the campus for more than half a century, but were nearing the end of their service life, especially given impending environmental rules.

Rather than invest in new coal-fired boilers or switch to natural gas, Ball State opted to invest in a massive geothermal energy program. The university is midway through construction of the $87 million project, which will provide heating and cooling to nearly 50 buildings spread over more than 700 acres. It is expected to include 3,600 bore holes that reach 400 feet into the ground.
 
Ball State officials estimate that the switch to geothermal will save them about $2 million annually, and will eliminate 80,000 tons of carbon emissions. The university is paying for the program with dollars that had been set aside for the boiler replacement, plus a $5 million Energy department grant. They still need to raise about $20 million to complete the funding.
 
Beyond the direct benefits to the university, the project is credited with creating 2,300 jobs in an area that has been hard-hit by the economic slowdown.