MMH reaches clean energy milestone with installation of geothermal system

Expected to cut natural gas energy costs by 80 percent

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – Margaret Mary Health (MMH) has completed the installation of a high-performance geothermal system at its Outpatient & Cancer Center.

The geothermal system is expected to cut natural gas energy costs by 80 percent, provide more reliable power to the community and significantly reduce carbon emissions. 

Federal clean energy tax credits totaling $413,046 proved critical for the planning and completion of this project. 

The Outpatient & Cancer Center also expects to save an additional $220,000 of the total cost through utility savings, a key component of the project’s financial strategy that has resulted in a remarkable five-year return on investment.

“In healthcare, demand for energy is rising, and so are costs. By generating energy from the ground, we’re able to meet our electricity needs and provide better, more affordable care to the community we serve,” said Brian Daeger, Chief Operating Officer at Margaret Mary Health. 

MMH hosted public officials including Congresswoman Erin Houchin, State Senator Jean Leising and State Representative Lindsay Patterson for a tour last week. 

“Their visit underscored the importance of energy efficiency in healthcare and provided an opportunity to showcase how clean energy tax credits are being strategically leveraged to advance local healthcare and infrastructure goals,” the hospital said.

Completed in 2023, the geothermal system at the Margaret Mary Outpatient & Cancer Center is now fully operational.

“Before this renewable energy system was completed, we would occasionally lose power during extreme weather events,” said Dave Neff, Director of Facilities at Margaret Mary Health. “We treat cancer patients here, and they need their chemotherapy on a consistent schedule. This meant that our patients would have to brave uncomfortable conditions to ensure they got their medicine."

The new hospital will also feature geothermal energy when it is expected to open in 2026.

MMH plans to similarly apply for the usage of clean energy tax credits for this facility to support the construction of the replacement hospital.

Here is more about the new hospital:

Scheduled to open for patient care in 2026, the fully electrified replacement hospital will offer a wide range of services for the region, including Emergency Services, Surgical Services, an Imaging Center, Inpatient Care, Maternity Services, Cardiac Rehab, a Sleep Clinic, Public Café and Chapel. Located just north of the I-74 Batesville interchange on State Route 229, the 125,000-square-foot facility is set to enhance the patient experience, attract new providers and serve as the cornerstone of an expanded health and wellness campus. 

In addition to providing top-quality care, the hospital will serve as the anchor for a larger wellness campus featuring walking trails and green spaces to further support the wellness of patients and the community alike. The estimated cost for phase one of this expansion is $115 million with anticipated tax credits of approximately $2 million, marking a major investment in the health and well-being of the surrounding community.