ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced significant new investments to enhance energy efficiency, electrification and renewable energy projects for public schools across the state. Through the Decarbonizing Public Schools Program, the agency will direct $17 million to 30 projects in 11 school districts to advance large-scale electrification and install solar energy systems.
“Making our schools more energy efficient doesn’t just help us cut carbon, it also saves taxpayers money,” said Gov. Moore. “Investing in cutting-edge, cost-saving energy technology is a win for our schools, a win for our environment, a win for our workers, and a win for fiscal responsibility. Everyone stands to benefit.”
Administered by the Maryland Energy Administration, the investments are designed to foster energy savings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies, aligned with Maryland's broader climate goals as outlined in the Climate Solutions Now Act.
The grants will also fund the construction of net-zero energy schools. These are highly energy-efficient buildings that generate as much or more renewable energy on-site than they consume annually. On average, net-zero energy schools may use up to 80% less energy than conventionally constructed schools, resulting in yearly energy savings of more than $100,000.
Funding highlights for 2025 include:
- $1 million for East Salisbury Elementary School in Wicomico County to install a 365-kilowatt rooftop solar system.
- $2.15 million for Pocomoke Elementary School in Worcester County to replace propane cooling systems with energy-efficient electric air handling units.
- $2 million for the Park Heights Academy in Baltimore City to replace a fuel-oil HVAC system with a ground-source heat pump system and to install a 550-kilowatt rooftop solar system.
- $540,000 grant to the Cecil County School of Technology to replace two natural gas HVAC systems with electric heat pump systems.
- $1.25 million for Corkran Middle School in Anne Arundel County to install building automation system controls.
“Maryland’s public schools are teaching the country by example how to cut their operating costs and carbon emissions at the same time,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “These new projects reflect our ongoing commitment to climate progress, equity and innovation. These projects better position our public schools to be resilient and sustainable. And they will equip our schools to teach our kids how to advance those same goals for themselves and their communities.”
The full list of projects that received funding is available at energy.maryland.gov.
