ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore announced significant new investments through the Maryland Energy Administration to enhance energy efficiency, electrification and renewable energy projects for public schools across the state. The agency will direct $24 million to 31 projects in 13 different school districts to implement large-scale electrification and solar projects.
"Our K-12 schools stand on the front lines of our work to accelerate the push toward a more sustainable future," said Gov. Moore. "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 investments are designed to foster energy savings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies. Funding aligns with Maryland's broader climate goals as outlined in the Climate Solutions Now Act, which aims for a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2031.
The grants also will fund the construction of net-zero energy schools. 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, which can help relieve economic pressures on school districts.
Funding highlights 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. Each school will benefit from assistance to construct a geothermal system for HVAC and domestic hot water.
- 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,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to climate action, equity and innovation and ensure that our schools are resilient and sustainable for future generations.”
Information about eligibility, the application processes, and project timelines for Fiscal Year 2025 awards will be available in a forthcoming funding opportunity announcement.
