What is the High Pressure Cogeneration Project?
The University of Rochester is upgrading its current utility plant to simultaneously produce electricity and steam. This electricity and steam will be used to heat and cool River Campus and Medical Center buildings using no more fuel than if only steam was produced. The plant, which borders Elmwood Avenue, will continue to operate on natural gas, with oil as a backup fuel source. The High Pressure Cogeneration Project consists of the installation of a new boiler and a steam turbine capable of producing electricity. No significant air emissions increase is expected as a result of this change and the planned changes will reduce the University’s dependence on the local electric utility company. The ability for the University to produce a portion of its own power will result in lower air emissions from the local electric utility that are directly attributable to University energy needs.
