City Subscriptions

Duluth Energy Systems Proposal Along with Other Duluth Projects Get Support from Governor Dayton

[Duluth, MN] – The City of Duluth learned today that the proposed $21 million bonding request to begin the conversion of the 80 year old steam plant is on Governor Dayton’s list of priority projects with recommendation for full funding. Additional Duluth projects on the Governor’s list includes $5.3 million to reconstruct the runways for the Duluth International Airport and Sky Harbor Airport along with $5.6 million for port improvements. The Governor also announced $12.7 million in funding for the contamination clean-up of the St. Louis River estuary.  

“This is incredible news, and I am grateful to Governor Dayton and Lt Governor Smith for their support of Duluth projects and specifically for  the steam plant  conversion. Along with our team, I will continue to champion this throughout the legislative session to ensure full support. Duluth Energy Systems will be a model of innovation, partnership and energy efficiency,” said Mayor Emily Larson.

The steam plant which currently pushes 90 million gallons of water through its system to supply energy for over 200 customers is slated for renovations that will include a closed loop system. These changes will increase efficiency, create a sustainable model for the future, and reduce the carbon footprint of the Duluth Energy Systems plant with future potential to be fueled by biomass and natural gas.

“The steam district heating system has faithfully served Duluth since Herbert Hoover’s presidency. While the system remains reliable and robust, today’s efficiency and sustainability standards cannot be met with 1930s technology. Today’s modern hot water district heating systems are to yesterday’s steam systems as modern hybrid cars are to Henry Ford’s Model A. The leadership and support from Governor Dayton, Lieutenant Governor Smith, and Mayor Larson are crucial to modernizing our state’s energy infrastructure, starting with Duluth,” stated Jim Green, General Manager, Duluth Energy Systems.  

The steam plant project is Duluth’s top bonding priority for 2016. The Duluth Energy Systems renovations would be timed with the reconstruction of Superior Street, downtown Duluth’s main commercial artery.

# # #