Brainerd Area Discovers Hidden Fuels in Wastewater: Innovative pilot project has potential to heat 450 homes annually

Media Contacts:
Angela Headlee, Central CERT Coordinator, 218-894-3233, aheadlee@regionfive.org
Joel Haskard, CERTs Co-Director, 612-625-8759, haska004@umn.edu

BRAINERD, MN – Did you know that there is a free fuel source hiding just beneath us? Folks in Brainerd are beginning to look to wastewater as a source of untapped thermal energy. Join Central Clean Energy Resource Team (Central CERT) on January 25, 2012 from 9:00 to 11:30 am at Brainerd Public Utilities’ office to find out how this hidden energy can be harnessed. Peter Nelson of Hidden Fuels will report on the results of the first stage of this waste heat recovery project—an approach and method that could spur both the economy and a clean energy future for Central Minnesota. We’ll also learn about solar energy and how it can make your future brighter! Join Central CERT to learn about this and other opportunities in your backyard for creating a clean energy future.

RSVP: Learn more and register for this free event at http://hiddenfuels.eventbrite.com or call 612-626-0555

AGENDA:

• 9:00: Welcome & Introductions – Joel Haskard & Angela Headlee, Clean Energy Resource Teams
• 9:15: Presentation on Hidden Fuels – Peter Nelson, Hidden Fuels
• 10:15: Q & A
• 10:45: Opportunities with Solar Power – Joel Haskard, Clean Energy Resource Teams
• 11:00: Brainerd Public Utilities – Scott Sjolund, Technology Supervisor
• 11:10: Q&A and Networking
• 11:30: Adjourn

THE BASICS:

• Who: Residents, community leaders, utilities, businesses, farmers from Central Minnesota
• What: Free presentation on Hidden Fuels and other opportunities for a clean energy future
• When: Wednesday, January 25th 9- 11:30 am
• Where: Brainerd Public Utilities, 8027 Highland Scenic Road, Baxter, MN 56425
• How: Register for this free event online at http://hiddenfuels.eventbrite.com or call 612-626-0555
• Why: Learn about opportunities for creating a clean energy future in Central Minnesota

ABOUT CERTs: The Clean Energy Resource Teams connect Minnesotans and their communities with resources to identify and implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The Clean Energy Resource Teams are diverse—individuals; small business owners; farmers; members of community groups; local utility representatives; educators; local, state and federal government staff and elected leaders—and all share a common interest: They want strong communities, local jobs, and secure, clean, reliable energy. CERTs is a partnership of the University of Minnesota’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, Eureka Recycling, Southwest Regional Development Commission, The Minnesota Project, and Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources. Learn more at www.mncerts.org.