Innovative technology reduces land use and cost, expanding access to geothermal energy for communities across Colorado
Adams State University and McKinstry, a national leader in designing, constructing, operating and maintaining high-performing buildings, are planning Colorado’s first Darcy geothermal system, a landmark clean energy project that is rewriting the rules of geothermal heating and cooling, and its affordability.
The project, funded in part by a $4.3 million award through the Colorado Geothermal Energy Tax Credit Offering, or GETCO program, is delivered through Colorado’s Energy Savings Performance Contracting program, a state-administered mechanism that allows public institutions to fund major facility upgrades through long-term energy cost savings. The project will also be eligible for a $5 million Inflation Reduction Act Investment Tax Credit, further supporting the University’s ability to advance this transformative energy infrastructure investment. That financing structure demonstrates that institutions like Adams State do not need large capital reserves to pursue transformational energy infrastructure.
Traditional geothermal systems require drilling dozens of bore holes across acres of land, demanding significant financial investment and surface disruption. Darcy Solutions, a cleantech company founded by University of Minnesota geologists, replaces that approach with a couple wells drilled into an existing underground water source. At Adams State, the system’s construction will impact about 10,000 square feet, compared with the nearly two acres needed to construct a conventional closed-loop vertical bore system. The Darcy system circulates water through heat exchangers located at the base of the wells to capture stable subsurface temperatures. It never extracts water from the well, does not pollute ground water or allow groundwater to reach the surface. This is a critical distinction in the San Luis Valley, where water is a carefully managed as a precious resource. The result is a clean, small-footprint installation that delivers high equipment efficiencies.
“The equation has changed,” said Aaron Skroch, senior building energy program manager for McKinstry. “Geothermal energy is no longer out of reach for institutions that don’t have vast land or unlimited capital. Adams State is proving that, and we are proud to help make it happen.”
For Adams State, the project is as much about community as it is about energy. Located in the heart of the San Luis Valley, the University serves a region where access to affordable, sustainable resources is an ongoing priority. The new system will serve the Student Union Building and Rex Activity Center, adding air conditioning to both facilities and replacing less efficient heating infrastructure with heat pumps that are up to five times more energy-efficient than conventional electric resistance systems. Capacity has also been built in to eventually serve student housing and other campus buildings, extending the benefits to where students live and learn. The project builds upon the recent creation of the President’s Commission on Campus Water Conservation, expanding upon sustainability practices at Adams State.
“We strongly believe in being a steward of place in the San Luis Valley, and this project shows what’s possible,” said Adams State University President David A. Tandberg, Ph.D. “Being first in Colorado to use Darcy geothermal is something we are proud of, but what matters most is what it means for our students and community. This is an investment in our campus and in the future of this entire Valley.”
Engineered Products, a Colorado-based manufacturer’s representative, played an important role in bringing the project together by representing Darcy Solutions and coordinating closely with McKinstry throughout the process. Through that partnership, Engineered Products helped facilitate the integration of Darcy’s geothermal technology, supporting the team as they worked to bring an innovative geothermal solution to Adams State.
Darcy Solutions says the Adams State installation has implications well beyond one campus.
“Colorado has incredible geothermal potential, and the barrier has always been land and cost,” said Robert Ed, director of marketing for Darcy Solutions. “What we are doing at Adams State shows that neither of those must be a dealbreaker. We expect this project to serve as a model for institutions across the state and the region.”
A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for this fall. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2027. Visit Adams State Geothermal for more information.
About McKinstry
McKinstry is a national leader in designing, constructing, operating and maintaining high-performing buildings. From new construction and ongoing operations to adaptive reuse and energy retrofits, the company provides a single point of accountability across the entire building lifecycle. McKinstry focuses on people and outcomes to ensure the built environment serves owners, operators and occupants alike. McKinstry is your trusted partner for the life of your building. Learn more at www.mckinstry.com.
About Darcy Solutions
Darcy Solutions engineers energy-efficient geothermal ground source heat pump systems for commercial buildings throughout the United States and Canada. We partner with mechanical engineers designing geothermal systems with centralized heat pumps, distributed heat pumps, variable air volume, variable refrigerant flow, chilled beams and other types of equipment. Learn more at www.darcysolutions.com.
