University of Maryland Aims for Fossil-Free Energy System by 2035 

By Fay Harvey  

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — In April 2021, Darryll Pines, University of Maryland (UMD) president, announced the college’s vision for a net-zero carbon emission campus by 2025. Coined the Climate Action Plan, the goals set by Pines, which include reducing water usage and securing funding for continual improvements, are steadily coming to fruition. 

Since introducing the plan, the University has transitioned to 100-percent renewable electricity, solar panels have made their way onto campus, air travel by staff and students has been deemed carbon neutral and officials have made certain that new buildings achieve the highest environmental standards, according to a University statement.  

Prior to the Climate Action Plan, UMD joined America’s Pledge in 2018, an initiative supporting efforts to meet the goals within the Paris Accord, alongside numerous private and public sector leaders. The campus is also apart of the University Climate Coalition, a program connecting 23 of the world’s leading research universities committed to accelerating climate action.

The Next Step 

The campus is advancing another significant initiative that began with brainstorming efforts in 2018: the NextGen Energy Program, a $390 million investment in campus infrastructure. The transformative project aims to help the University achieve fossil fuel-free energy use by 2035 while prioritizing efficient, affordable energy and advancing sustainability goals. According to a University statement, the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Central Energy Plant by 23% and cut its annual water usage by 50%. 

“A carbon-neutral campus is a significant step, but now it’s time to set our sights on reducing UMD’s dependency on fossil fuels,” said Pines in a statement. “We are committed to a fossil fuel-free power plant under the NextGen Energy Program.”  

Program Implementation 

Following years of discussions with University stakeholders and approvals from the Maryland Board of Public Works between 2018 and 2024, the University began implementing the NextGen Energy Program by performing maintenance upgrades on existing infrastructure and continuing construction of new energy systems. The program is set to play a vital role in ensuring efficient energy use on campus while delivering clean energy solutions for future generations. 

The University of Maryland currently operates a “tri-generation” energy system, which efficiently provides heating, cooling and electricity while minimizing energy loss and waste by producing all three simultaneously. However, the University announced that its existing energy system partnership is coming to an end, and the current system is nearing the end of its lifespan. To address this, the new NextGen Energy Program will ensure reliable power for the campus’s more than 250 buildings, including dormitories, dining halls, laboratories, classrooms and sports facilities. By shifting to on-campus production of heating, cooling, and electricity, University leaders aim to gain better control over energy costs and reduce environmental impact, remaining consistent with core values. 

UMD conducted extensive research on various options to further achieve its goal of generating heat and power directly on campus. During the evaluation, and while preparing a Request for Proposal, University leaders gathered criteria to support their vision. Factors for the new energy system included maintaining consistency with UMD’s carbon reduction and sustainability goals, flexibility to incorporate both renewable technologies and energy efficient programs, ensuring responsible spending, possibilities for future campus expansion and improving the energy system’s dependability.  

The campus has previously struggled with power outages affecting heating systems, air conditioning, water and steam. The new energy system addresses the aging system’s incapability of performance and utilizes a modern maintenance program to prevent potential equipment failures. 

The University’s Facilities Management team will oversee the groups involved with the NextGen Energy Program projects and will be responsible for day-to-day management. The Division of Administration will handle the governance and oversight through the management of the Program Implementation Council, while the Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability and Risk will assure project safety and the ongoing advancement of carbon-reduction efforts. 

Reaching Sustainability Goals 

In addition to on-campus partnerships, the NextGen Energy Program has leveraged public-private partnerships to further promise innovative and financially sound methods of reaching University goals. UMD has joined Maryland Energy Impact Partners (MEIP), which includes Plenary Americas US Holdings Inc., Kiewit Development Company, Kiewit Power Constructors Co., and Honeywell International Inc., a group of experienced operators, to guide the NextGen Energy Program. In partnership with MEIP, the NextGen Energy Program will modernize the aging distribution system, enhance energy efficiency, incorporate renewable technologies and fund upgrades using the existing utility budget. MEIP will also welcome academic collaboration for undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and researchers by offering scholarships, internships and new academic programs. 

In a University statement, Carlo Colella, UMD vice president and chief administrative officer, expressed his excitement of the partnership. “With MEIP’s collaboration, we look forward to designing, engineering, and installing a sustainable energy system the university can depend on for decades to come,” he said.  

As the project progresses, UMD has kept stakeholders and community involved in the plan. The NextGen Advisory group, a group of members representing key constituencies across campus, was formed to ensure student, staff and community engagement. The group will continue to provide insight and input on developments as the plan progresses. Those interested in information on university progress can sign up for updates at NextGen.umd.edu. UMD will also make public submittals during various stages of the process.