Montana’s Universities looks to maximize energy savings

Underground wells used to heat and cool four buildings at Montana State University have already reduced their energy use by 40%, so now MSU wants to spend $2.5 million to expand geothermal energy to the core of campus.

The University of Montana will seek approval to hire an energy service company, McKinstry Essention Inc., to investigate the possibility of generating power from the Missoula campus’s steam heating plant. The project, if it seems feasible, might ultimately cost about $15 million. A preliminary study found it could save up to $1.5 million a year.