SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum was joined by state, local, and business leaders to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of a Minnesota-made CO2 heat pump installation at the Local 455 Steamfitters/Pipefitters Union Training Center, highlighting the state’s leadership in next-generation HVAC technology, clean energy innovation, and workforce development.

The newly installed ANSWR heat pump, developed by Rogers, Minnesota–based Flow Environmental Systems, uses natural CO2 refrigerant to deliver ultra-high-efficiency heating and cooling across one of the widest operating temperature ranges on the market—from -40°F to 120°F—performing reliably in climates from Arizona’s desert heat to Minnesota’s coldest winters. The pilot installation was made possible through Minnesota Energy Alley, a public-private partnership between the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM), and Grid Catalyst, designed to help accelerate the commercialization of innovative, homegrown energy technologies.

The event brought together Congresswoman Betty McCollum, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, Representative Larry Kraft, industry leaders, and union members to highlight the economic and workforce opportunities tied to expanding advanced clean energy manufacturing in Minnesota.

“We’re celebrating a workforce that is ready for the future but committed to making sure that what happens in the future is going to be sustainable, environmentally friendly, and good for consumers,” said Congresswoman McCollum.

Mayor Kaohly Her emphasized the importance of ensuring innovation advances equity and strengthens communities. “The change we make here, it doesn’t just impact St. Paul and Minnesota—it impacts the rest of the world,” said Mayor Kaohly Her. “I’m thankful to be a partner, and I’m thankful that St. Paul continues to be a city that wants to innovate and wants to work with people who will make this place not just better for our environment, but for the people who are the most disproportionately impacted.”

Representative Larry Kraft, co-author of the Minnesota Energy Alley legislation, spoke to the importance of public-private collaboration in accelerating clean energy deployment and the economic impact. “[The State’s investment of] $1.7 million into energy innovation and pilot projects has generated $31 million in private investment. Those are phenomenal numbers for our public-private partnership,” said Rep. Kraft.

Flow Environmental Systems’ ANSWR technology replaces synthetic refrigerants with natural CO2, reducing environmental impact while improving performance in weather extremes. The company plans to expand manufacturing operations in Minnesota, positioning the state as a hub for advanced technology production.

Sean Jarvie of Flow Environmental Systems emphasized the versatility of the ANSWR heat pump, noting, “You can do a lot with this technology, and that allows us to touch each person in this room in a meaningful way. Whether we’re decarbonizing a school, electrifying a hospital, retrofitting a multifamily building, or upgrading a state facility—it can interface with all of it. It’s something we can rally behind to truly make things better.”

The Local 455 Training Center will use the installation as a hands-on training opportunity for apprentices and journeymen, equipping Minnesota’s HVAC workforce with practical experience installing and servicing emerging clean energy systems.

“We need new technology to make sure that our members are the best trained and that our contractors have the best trained workers. By next year, we will be teaching 400 apprentices through a program with a 95% completion rate,” said Jeremy McConkey of The Local 455 Steamfitters/Pipefitters Union.

Grid Catalyst highlighted the importance of pilot demonstrations in helping innovative companies move from prototype to commercialization. “Flow is a Minnesota company making cutting-edge heat pump technology, creating good-paying jobs and keeping the economic benefits of a clean energy economy in our communities,” said Nina Axelson of Grid Catalyst.

Together, the partners emphasized that Minnesota Energy Alley is designed to help energy startups demonstrate technologies locally, scale manufacturing, attract investment, and create high-quality jobs across the state. By pairing homegrown innovation with hands-on union training, Minnesota is positioning itself to lead in the rapidly evolving clean energy economy.

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Flow Environmental Systems is a Rogers-based engineering company that designs and manufactures innovative CO2-based heat pumps for commercial HVAC applications. Flow’s patented ANSWR heat pump technology replaces synthetic refrigerants with natural CO2, achieving ultra high-efficiency performance at wider temperature ranges (-40°F to 120°F) than any alternative on the market. The company is positioned to expand manufacturing operations in Minnesota, creating advanced technology jobs in the state.

Local 455 Steamfitters/Pipefitters Union represents more than 1,500 certified steamfitters and pipefitters working across a 22-county jurisdiction that includes St. Paul and much of central Minnesota. Since 1904, Local 455 members have constructed and maintained critical heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems throughout the Twin Cities. The union operates a 100,000-square-foot training and certification center in St. Paul that provides a five-year apprenticeship program and advanced journeyman training in HVAC systems, refrigeration, and emerging energy technologies.

SVL is one of the Midwest’s largest dealers of commercial HVAC and cleanroom equipment, serving Minnesota, North Dakota, and Northwestern Wisconsin from offices in the Twin Cities and Fargo. Founded in 1967, SVL partners with building owners, architects, engineers, and contractors in the engineering, installation, service, and maintenance of mechanical air-handling and hydronic equipment. The company is committed to advancing the HVAC industry’s transition to environmentally responsible technologies and solutions.

Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) is an industry-led nonprofit that provides the business voice for clean energy in Minnesota. CEEM educates policymakers and Minnesotans about the significant economic opportunities provided by clean, reliable, and affordable energy. With more than 60 member companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 corporations, CEEM works across industries and political divides to promote clean energy innovation, job growth, and smart energy policies that strengthen Minnesota’s economy.

Grid Catalyst is a Minneapolis-based clean energy accelerator that connects startups to strategic pilot partnerships, project support, and seed funding to demonstrate their technologies in real-world applications. Through its Demonstration Cohort program, funded in part by Minnesota Energy Alley, Grid Catalyst accelerates clean energy innovation and deployment by helping entrepreneurs overcome the “commercialization valley of death” and positioning Minnesota as a leader in innovative energy solutions.