Ball State University Implements Largest Ground-Source Geothermal System in the U.S.
Ball State University completed the largest closed-loop geothermal energy system in the U.S. in 2015, cutting coal use significantly. The project supports environmental sustainability and offers educational opportunities for students, while also providing financial benefits through reduced HVAC costs.
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Ball State University's geothermal energy system, initiated in May 2009 and completed in 2015, has eliminated nearly 10,000 tons of coal usage annually. The system comprises 3,600 boreholes, each 6 inches in diameter, extending 4-500 feet deep, utilizing thermal energy storage for heating and cooling campus facilities.
Financially, the geothermal switch was strategic, particularly when natural gas prices were rising. The system faces climate-related challenges, as warmer winters and hotter summers require supplementary heating. However, its infrastructure has a long life expectancy, positioning it as a sustainable energy solution for the future.
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