On May 15, UMD received news that the NextGen Energy Program received its final approval to move forward. The University of Maryland and Maryland Energy Impact Partners (MEIP) secured partnership approvals from the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and the state of Maryland’s Board of Public Works and are now moving on to the financial close, which is expected to occur this summer. MEIP Includes Plenary America US Holdings Inc., Kiewit Development Company/Kiewit Power Constructors Co., Honeywell International & Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions, Inc. Construction is expected to begin in July 2024.
Why We Need NextGen
With the clock ticking on the university’s current energy system, the NextGen approval comes at the right time. Recently, the campus community has experienced heating and cooling challenges caused by the aging energy system. Without the NextGen upgrade, more frequent interruptions to campus operations would likely occur, which could result in wasted energy and a continual need for emergency repairs.
NextGen - MEIP Partnership Improvements
In partnership with MEIP, NextGen will update critical energy systems including the central energy plant, the main district thermal plant that serves the campus core research buildings, and critical components of the stream distribution system. The NextGen Energy Program remains flexible to take advantage of new technologies and alternative fuels that may become widely available in the future to achieve our 2035 goal of a fossil fuel-free energy system. It will also complete a campus-wide decarbonization study to help chart a path to zero emissions.
Additionally, MEIP will provide academic collaborations that include opportunities for undergraduates, graduates, faculty members, and researchers, including student scholarships and internships and opportunities for collaboration for faculty and students.
The NextGen Energy Program stands to significantly improve energy service on campus and result in immediate environmental impact, including cutting carbon emissions by 23% and reducing the water consumption of the energy systems by 50% per year. The program is eligible for an estimated $69 million to $79 million in funding from the Biden administration as part of its Inflation Reduction Act.