The NextGen Energy Program
The Path to Our Sustainable Energy Future
The NextGen Energy Program (NextGen) plays a critical role in ensuring that the University of Maryland can depend on a sustainable energy system for decades to come. NextGen not only puts us on a pathway to achieve the university’s goal of a fossil fuel-free energy system by 2035, but will also increase our efficiency and sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our Central Energy Plant by 23% and saving 50% of the total water usage the plant requires annually.
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. We are committed to a fossil fuel-free power plant under the NextGen Energy Program.
Public-Private Partnership
NextGen leverages a public-private partnership to secure an innovative, effective, and financially efficient approach for the University. Our partner is 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.
In partnership with MEIP, NextGen will update the aging distribution system to make heating and cooling campus buildings more efficient and minimize outages, and incorporate renewable energy sources and technologies
MEIP will provide academic collaborations that include opportunities for undergraduates, graduates, faculty members, and researchers, including scholarships, internships, and research opportunities for faculty and students
Project Timeline
Fall 2026: Temporary chiller plant supports DTP4 renewal; demolition of existing DTP4 begins.
Fall 2026: Central energy plant comes online.
Spring 2027: New DTP4 comes online.
Summer 2027: Thermal distribution system improvements completed.
Summer 2027: Phase I capital improvements reach substantial completion.
Program Leadership and Partners
- Facilities Management: Leads day-to-day program management and coordinates project execution across campus systems.
- Maryland Energy Impact Partners (MEIP): Designs, finances, and implements energy system improvements, and operates and maintains campus energy systems.
- Division of Administration: Provides governance and oversight through the Program Implementation Council.
- Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability, and Risk (ESSR): Guides safety, environmental compliance, and carbon reduction efforts.