4.0. SR 02-23-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. SHERBURNE COUNTY BOARD/ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL 2/23/99 Stephen Rohlf Discussion Item #2 - Energy City The Energy City project is ajoint effort between Minnesota's energy industries, the Minnesota Environmental Initiative, and the City of Elk River. The purpose of the project is to demonstrate that wise energy decisions can make economic sense. The companies displaying energy efficient products and renewable energy technology in Energy City are not only trying to prove their environmental benefits, but also that they can be sustained in the marketplace. Energy City will be of great benefit to the economic development of Sherburne County and the City of Elk River. Energy City is building up momentum and getting national attention. Energy House I received the top award in the nation for cold climate energy efficiency from the National Association of Home Builder's Research Center. In addition, the Elk River Landfill Gas- to-Electricity Project was named the 1998 Project ofthe Year by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. . Energy House I is no longer available as a model, but Energy House II has already opened. Another major Energy City project in 1999 will be the construction of one of the world's largest wind generators. This single wind turbine will generate enough electricity for approximately 250 homes. It is a significant demonstration because Elk River is at the low end of the commercial wind resource. Recently, Energy City met with Kurt Kragness of the Sherburne County Historical Society. The proposed Heritage Center in Becker has potential to be an Energy City demonstration site for energy efficient construction, heating, cooling, and dehumidification. Also, Sherburne County's past and future is greatly entwined with energy related issues (e.g. the first rural nuclear power plant and the RDF facility). Hopefully, Energy City will be working with the Historical Society on energy related displays for the Heritage Center. .