Government Energy Policy, Business and Technology

Michigan capitol overhaul could include new geothermal system

Midwest Energy News: Michigan’s 138-year-old Capitol building is falling apart from the inside. Amid the decorated halls of this national historical landmark in downtown Lansing, officials are struggling to keep up with the deterioration of the building’s insides caused by antiquated heating and cooling controls.

After a recent renovation of the building’s exterior, the state is now embarking on a roughly two-year, $70 million upgrade to the infrastructure. A major component of that, Capitol maintenance officials hope, will be a new geothermal system for heating and cooling that is self-contained and doesn’t rely on the local municipal utility.

Engineering consultants have demonstrated the property is a prime candidate for geothermal based on conductivity tests. Those overseeing the project hope state lawmakers will appropriate the necessary funding by June 1 in a budget bill after legislation to do so stalled at the end of last session. Excavation and drilling could then start in August while lawmakers are on break.

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