Eastern Michigan University to become nearly 100% energy self-sufficient; 500-ton crane lifts new energy saving 55-ton turbine into place

University will become nearly fully self-sufficient in production of electricity, heat for campus operations; significantly reduce carbon footprint and annual energy costs

Eastern Michigan University to become nearly 100% energy self-sufficient; 500-ton crane lifts new energy saving 55-ton turbine into place

YPSILANTI --  Eastern Michigan University used a massive 500-ton crane to lift a new energy saving 55-ton turbine into its Heating Plant on June 8.  With the new project, the University will become nearly fully self-sufficient in production of electricity and heat for campus operations; significantly reducing its carbon footprint and annual energy costs.

The Co-Gen (co-generation) project, at a cost of $19.6 million, replaces a 29-year-old co-generation unit that ceased operations in April 2016.

  • Co-generation is a combined heat and power system that uses natural gas to simultaneously produce electricity and steam heat for the campus.
  • The new turbine will generate approximately 98 percent of the heat and 93 percent of the electricity to campus. The previous unit supplied about 50 percent of electricity and heat.
  • The new co-generator will result in an annual reduction of 21,305 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), equivalent to:
    • 78.2 million miles driven by an average passenger vehicle; or,
    • Preservation of 260 acres of forests.
  • Project will reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by an estimated 112 tons annually, decreasing potential effects of acid rain.
  • The project will achieve annual net energy savings to the University of more than $2.8 million.
  •  Estimated completion date: Spring 2018

June 08, 2017

Written by:
Walter Kraft

Media Contact:
Geoff Larcom
glarcom@emich.edu
734-487-4400