Maryland awards $24M to schools for electrification, solar projects

The Maryland Energy Administration is allocating $24 million to 31 projects in 13 different school districts to implement electrification and solar projects.

The investments are designed to help schools save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote renewable energy technologies. The grants will also fund the construction of net-zero energy schools, which use up to 80 percent less energy than conventionally constructed schools, resulting in yearly energy savings of more than $100,000.

“Our K-12 schools stand on the front lines of our work to accelerate the push toward a more sustainable future,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said. “By taking a leading role in the clean energy transition, Maryland public schools are proving to the state and the country how we can cut costs, boost energy efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions. It’s not either/or—it’s yes, yes, and yes.”

The funding recipients include:

• Anne Arundel County Public Schools received $142,960 to enhance technological capabilities for automated utility data workflow and $1.8 million for heating electrification and LED relamping projects at various schools.
• Frederick County Public Schools received $103,000 to develop energy management strategies and $92,000 to create an energy roadmap for carbon-neutral operations.
• Garrett County Public Schools received $2.5 million for the electrification of Route 40 Elementary School’s boiler system and $770,000 for a ground-mounted solar project.
• Baltimore City Public Schools received $1.75 million for heating electrification and $1 million for a rooftop solar system at Furley Elementary School.
• Dorchester County Public Schools received more than $1 million for South Dorchester Elementary School to construct a 600 kilowatts direct current rooftop solar array combined with a geothermal HVAC system to achieve net-zero status.
• Baltimore City Public Schools received $2.7 million for the design and construction of a solar array at City Springs Elementary and Middle School #8 to achieve net-zero status.
• Wicomico County Public Schools received more than $2 million for Fruitland Primary School to design and construct a solar array to achieve net-zero status.
• Prince George’s County Public Schools received nearly $3.4 million to aid in the construction of three new net-zero schools: Frost Elementary and Middle School, Margaret Brent Elementary School, and Templeton Elementary School.
• Anne Arundel County Public Schools received more than $2 million for Old Middle School North to fund envelope improvements, insulation, optimized windows, heat pumps for domestic hot water, and a solar array.

“Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in our public schools creates healthier learning environments for our students, lowers energy costs, and spurs local economic activity. Through these grants, Maryland public schools will lead by example in the transition to clean energy,” Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky said. “These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to climate action, equity, and innovation and ensure that our schools are resilient and sustainable for future generations.”

The investments are in alignment with Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act, which aims for a 60 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2031.

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