Oregon State University
IN-4: Innovation 4

OSU Energy Center OSU's 1920s era heat plant provided steam to most campus buildings until 2009 when the new OSU Energy Center went online, producing steam and electricity to efficiently heat and power OSU's main campus. This co-generating, or combined heat and power (CHP), technology greatly increases efficiencies by utilizing waste heat from the electrical generation process. This "waste" heat it utilized to heat campus buildings. Additionally, the close proximity of the electricity generating source to electrical loads on campus means transmission line losses are greatly reduced, improving overall efficiency of the electrical grid and postponing the electric utility company's need for increased capacity. Energy Center systems are configured for future use of renewable fuels, such as biodiesel and methane. CHP facilities are an emerging technology because of high efficiency and enhanced reliability. This facility will reduce OSU's emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX), carbon monoxide (CO), and greenhouse gases. Additional benefits of this project include: • Reduced air emissions, including an estimated 38% reduction in greenhouse gases relative to the old heat plant • Reduced water consumption through rainwater capture and by modernizing systems • Lower transmission losses by generating about 50% of OSU's annual electrical demand on site • Partial power to campus in the event of a power grid outage The Energy Center was designed to LEED green building standards, and in January 2011 received a Platinum rating from US Green Building Council. It is the only facility of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, and the only Platinum operations building within the Oregon University System.