On a day that marked the start of a new beginning for many Ball State University graduates, another new beginning was taking place on Ball State's campus Saturday morning. At about 11:30 a.m. with a crowd of about 75 people, Ball State President Jo Ann Gora welcomed guests - including Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and Mayor Sharon McShurley - to the ceremonial groundbreaking for Ball State's geothermal system. Other guests included Sen. Sue Errington, Representative Dennis Taylor and Brandon Seitz, the director of the Indiana Office of Energy.
The groundbreaking marked the launch of a system that will be the country's first full geothermal production.
The geothermal energy system uses the earth as a heat source. The system draws heat in the winter and sinks heat into the ground during the summer months. The heat is then transferred to where it is needed through a cold water loop and a hot water loop.
The plan, which will cost approximately $60 to $70 million to build, will later save the university approximately $2 million per year. The system will heat and cool more than 40 buildings on campus.
"On top of that, it's good for the environment," Gora said in her speech at the ceremony. "We will cut out carbon footprint roughly in half."
Lugar, a member of the U.S. Energy Efficiency and Independence group and sponsor of the Energy Patriot Award, also spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony.
"It is an opportunity to entertain the rest of the world," Lugar said. "It shows ways it can happen not just at Ball State, but throughout Indiana and our country."
Another benefit Lugar discussed was the formation of jobs.
"Ten thousand days of work is involved in this project, that is a lot," he said. "Plus the equipment comes from Hoosier firms, and they will demonstrate the work they do here and will make new sales."
Ball State's geothermal system is attracting attention from many institutes across the country, Lugar said.
"I" have no doubt other universities will follow," he said. "The investment comes back. We estimate $2 million will be saved here at Ball State. Other universities will get it."
Ball State was the recipient of the Energy Patriot Award in August 2007. The award is given to organizations or individuals that work to promote America's energy security.
"Our geothermal energy system is only the latest example of how Ball State develops creative solutions to meet today's challenges," Gora said.
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