DENVER—Workers have begun drilling a well at the Colorado Capitol to tap geothermal energy to heat the building.
The Denver Post reports the geothermal heating and cooling system is designed to tap into the year-round 55-degree temperature below the earth’s surface.
Lance Shepherd, a state project manager, said in the winter the state can pump water up into a geothermal heating system, transferring the heat into the building, which is home to the state Legislature and governor’s office. In the summer, it can transfer cool air to the Capitol.
Colorado has received a $4.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to help pay for the work. The state is contributing $1.3 million, money it plans to finance through its utility savings.
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Information from: The Denver Post,
