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Forrest County Geothermal Energy Project

This is a summary of a project funded on a cost-shared basis by the U.S. Department of Energy through its Geothermal Technologies Program (GTP). This work is one of several projects funded by GTP under its mission to conduct research, development, and demonstration to advance geothermal energy technologies. This summary was prepared as part of the application process by the subsequent recipient of a funding opportunity grant and is offered only as a general overview of the project's scope and direction at the time of the award.

Project Technology Type Ground Source Heat Pumps › Technology Demonstration
Awardee Forrest County
Location Hattiesburg, MS
Objectives

Retrofit an existing facility (Multi Purpose Center) and incorporate geothermal energy during initial construction of a new building (Forrest County Jail).
Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0000116: Recovery Act – Geothermal Technologies Program: Ground Source Heat Pumps (PDF 236 KB) Download Adobe Reader.
Funding Source American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
DOE Funding Level* Total Award: $1,571,027
Awardee Cost Share $1,571,027
Total Project Cost $3,142,054
Principal Investigator(s) Curtis Elliott, Maintenance Supervisor
Description

This project consists of replacing the existing air cooled chiller with geothermal water to water chillers for energy savings at the Forrest County Multi Purpose Center. The project will also replace DX/gas rooftop and DX split system heat pump equipment with geothermal units for the Forrest County Jail. Both of the aforementioned projects consist of approximately 400 tons of cooling each which totals 800 tons of geothermal ground loop wells. Total project cost is $3.1 million; however, Forrest County is providing a 50% cost share.

Project savings for the Multi Purpose Center and the Detention Center is $191,820.00 with over 1,711,070 kwh of electricity saved annually. The project will provide cost savings for the operation of these critical public facilities and be a demonstration project for geothermal efficiency projects. The Forrest County Geothermal Energy Project will also create jobs within the local economy. Employment will be created during the actual design and construction (design - four people for three months, construction — 12 people, 9 months) but after completion, no new positions are needed to operate these systems.However, this project will stimulate the local economy by using hotels, restaurants and other establishments. This indirect benefit to the economy is estimated at $942,616.00.
Targets/Milestones
  • Promote the concept of "green" technology within the county;
  • Retrofit an existing facility (Multi Purpose Center) and incorporate geothermal energy during initial construction of a new building (Forrest County Jail);
  • Project completion within a reasonable timeframe
  • Stimulate the economy by creating jobs for county residents and those from neighboring communities;
  • Reduce the carbon footprint by decreasing the amount of emissions released by typical forms of energy consumption;
  • Form collaborative partnerships in both the public and private sectors.
Impacts Project will potentially increase visibility/acceptance of technology for penal system applications.

*DOE Funding Level is up to the amount stated and is subject to negotiation.