The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has made an unexpected and spectacular discovery in connection with the preparation for installing a new geothermal energy system – a fossilized dinosaur bone. The discovery was made over 230 meters (763 feet) below ground in the Museum’s parking area in connection with test drilling for the geothermal system, which is designed by experts from the Swedish heat pump manufacturer Qvantum working in partnership with the engineering consultancy BCER.
A fossilized bone, part of a vertebra believed to belong to a herbivorous dinosaur from the late Cretaceous period, was discovered – probably from a Thescelosaurus or Edmontosaurus, both species that lived in what were then tropical swamps and forests in present-day Denver.
Finding a dinosaur bone in the middle of a modern energy project is something truly unique and a reminder of how our history is constantly present, even as we look to the future, says Jonas Ekestubbe, Energy systems expert from Qvantum.
We are proud to contribute to the museum’s sustainability goals while being part of this unique discovery.
The Museum’s earth sciences team is now collaborating with other scientists to analyze and preserve the find.
This is not only a scientific breakthrough – it’s also a chance to engage our visitors in research and history in a way that few other museums can offer, says James Hagadorn, Denver Museum of Nature & Science Curator of Geology
The geothermal project is part of the Museum’s goal to transition to fossil-free energy and its phase-out of gas. Experts at Qvantum estimate that the new energy system will significantly reduce the Museum’s carbon dioxide emissions and carbon footprint. The goal is to reduce the impact by over 30% from today’s levels. This shift to geothermal will also contribute to improved local air quality by significantly reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in the surrounding area.
At the same time, the fossil finding shows how scientific curiosity and sustainable development can interact in unexpected ways. The fossil is on display in the Museum’s “Discovering Teen Rex” exhibition where visitors can follow the researchers’ work in real time.
Read more about Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the fossil find here:
Museum Makes Another Incredible Dinosaur Discovery
Stina Albing
Corporate Communication Manager
0046 701 44 06 11
stina.albing@qvantum.com
Qvantum has developed and produced high-quality heat pumps and energy systems since 1993. Its team of leading experts designs the next generation of heating and cooling solutions. Qvantum provides heat pumps and a unique software suite that will make it easier for Engineering consultants, Installers, Project developers, and Utilities to decarbonize the heating and cooling of urban areas.
Headquartered in Åstorp in Sweden, Qvantum has subsidiaries in Germany, The Netherlands, Poland, France, Austria, Hungary and the UK, and acquired a large-scale manufacturing facility from Electrolux in 2023. The company currently has around 350 employees across eight countries.
