ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The City of Rochester is being nationally recognized for its advancement in sustainable energy.

The city has been honored with a Large City Honorable Mention at the 2026 Mayor’s Climate Protection Awards in recognition of the city’s thermal energy network.

Rochester is the first Minnesota city to have an active thermal energy network.

The $25.5 million project was completed between May 2023 and December 2025.

The network connects the Rochester Public Library, Mayo Civic Center, Rochester Art Center and Rochester Civic Theatre through a shared geothermal heating and cooling system.

The network replaced a failing steam system that those four facilities previously used.

According to city officials, the thermal energy network is projected to:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2.3 million pounds of CO₂ annually. 
• Generate an estimated $600,000 in annual energy savings. 
• Position these facilities to achieve near-zero operational emissions as Rochester Public Utilities works toward 100% renewable energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2040. 
• Serve as a scalable model for other communities seeking innovative clean energy solutions in urban environments. 

“This recognition reflects Rochester’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and responsible stewardship of public resources,” said Mayor Kim Norton. “Our Thermal Energy Network demonstrates how cities can transform aging infrastructure into an opportunity to reduce emissions, lower operating costs and build a cleaner future for generations to come.”

The 2026 Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards were presented during the United States Conference of Mayors’ 94th Annual Meeting in Long Beach, California.

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