Thirty projects across 11 Maryland school districts will receive a combined $17 million in funding aimed at modernizing school buildings through energy-efficient upgrades, electrification, and renewable energy installations, Governor Wes Moore announced this week.
The funding, administered through the Maryland Energy Administration’s Decarbonizing Public Schools Program, supports the state’s broader climate goals while reducing school operating costs. The program prioritizes projects that lower greenhouse gas emissions and advance the construction of net-zero energy schools.
“Making our schools more energy efficient doesn’t just help us cut carbon, it also saves taxpayers money,” said Gov. Moore in a statement. “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.”
Among the highlights for 2025:
- Baltimore City: Park Heights Academy will receive $2 million to replace its fuel-oil HVAC system with a ground-source heat pump and install a 550-kilowatt rooftop solar system.
- Wicomico County: East Salisbury Elementary will use $1 million to install a 365-kilowatt rooftop solar array.
- Worcester County: Pocomoke Elementary will get $2.15 million to replace its propane cooling systems with high-efficiency electric air handling units.
- Cecil County: The Cecil County School of Technology will receive $540,000 to replace two natural gas HVAC systems with electric heat pumps.
- Anne Arundel County: Corkran Middle School will receive $1.25 million to install an advanced building automation system.
The investments reflect the state’s efforts under the Climate Solutions Now Act, legislation passed in 2022, designed to make Maryland a national leader in clean energy policy.
Net-zero energy schools, in particular, are expected to yield substantial savings. On average, they consume up to 80% less energy than traditional school buildings and can save more than $100,000 annually in energy costs.
“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.”
The full list of grant recipients and project descriptions can be found at energy.maryland.gov.
