Energy Park - Turning waste into opportunity
The Sustainable Business Park is a bold new vision to transform 72 acres of vacant land into a thriving hub for green innovation. Located next to the Olmsted Waste-to-Energy Facility (OWEF) and a future state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), this park will attract businesses that can use the renewable energy and materials we already produce—turning waste into economic opportunity.
What makes this park unique?
- Clean, reliable energy from the OWEF | The OWEF converts trash into steam and electricity, dramatically reducing landfill use while producing a steady supply of energy.
- High-quality recyclables from the MRF | The future materials recovery facility (MRF) will sort recyclables using advanced technology and human expertise, creating a consistent stream of materials ready for reuse.
- A closed-loop system | Businesses at the park can tap into these resources—cutting costs, maximizing the use of local resources by keeping products and materials in use, minimizing environmental impact, and supporting a circular economy.
What it matters for Olmsted County
The sustainable business park will:
- Generate new revenue by selling energy and turning your discarded materials into valuable resources, creating new
products.
- Expand the tax base by developing underused land near the county campus.
- Attract innovative businesses that create jobs and align with our sustainability goals.
- Support residents by reducing environmental impact and boosting the local economy.
What could go here?
Primary and secondary land uses describe the types of businesses and activities that could locate in the Sustainable Business Park. Primary uses are the core industries that directly benefit from the energy and materials produced by the OWEF and MRF. Secondary uses support or complement those industries—such as offices or services that enhance the park’s functionality and community value.
Possible site uses include:
- Modern industrial manufacturing
- Technology driven industry
- Educational or material research and development
- Industrial greenhouse
