A once in a generation opportunity to better meet the energy needs of the UMaine campus A central steam plant addition that utilizes renewable fuels is also a critical hurdle towards achieving our Carbon Commitment.
UMaine’s existing Central Steam Plant, built in 1906, is mission critical to the state’s largest public university and Maine’s R1 research university, providing essential heating service to 90% of the Orono campus in support of teaching, research, and public service. The UMaine Energy Center (UMEC) Project is an addition to the Central Steam Plant, which addresses the capital renewal of infrastructure that is at or past its useful life. This project is effectively a supply-side energy master plan, that will ensure UMaine operates reliably, efficiently, and effectively for the next half century.
The project is expected to have 100% renewable energy capacity, including renewable liquid and gas fuels. UMEC will allow UMaine to reach net-zero scope-1 GHG emissions by 2030, 10 years ahead of schedule (using locally-sourced renewable fuel).
The Central Steam Plant (CSP) currently consumes in excess of 450,000 million btu (MMBtu) per year. Peak heating operations require the use of Boiler #8 and Boiler #7 to meet the campus steam demand. A third boiler (either #5 or #6) is also kept in hot standby during peak season in case one of the lead boilers trips offline. The steam distribution system serves approximately 90 campus buildings through 4.7 miles of steam distribution/condensate pipe, and 119 steam pits.
UMaine’s two electrical substations serve approximately 98% of the annual campus electrical demand via 12.8 miles of (mostly) buried electric cable, and 70 electric pits. Significant campus electrical distribution upgrades must be completed to ensure the campus 4,160v distribution system is safe, reliable, and has capacity for decades of expected campus growth.
UMaine's Energy History
- 1890 – First central heat “Power House” built (located between Alumni Hall and Lord Hall)
- 1906 – Steam plant built (in current location, along the Stillwater River) for two small steam boilers
- 1920 – Power House demolished
- 1931 – West Steam plant expanded for larger boilers: #1 & #2 (coal)
- 1931 – Brick stack constructed
- 1947 – Steam plant expanded for boilers #3 & #4 (#6 fuel oil)
- 1950 – West electrical substation installed
- 1958 – Steam plant boiler #5 installed (#6 fuel oil – 64,000 lb/hr)
- 1961 – Steam plant boiler #6 installed (#6 fuel oil – 64,000 lb/hr)
- 1963 – West electrical substation upgrade
- 1966 – Steam plant boiler #7 installed (#6 fuel oil – 64,000 lb/hr)
- 1966 – East electrical substation installed
- 1989 – East substation switchgear upgraded
- 1995 – Steel stack added
- 2001 – Boiler #7 converted to use natural gas
- 2009 – 600 kW backpressure steam turbine generator installed
- 2012 – Steam plant boiler #8 installed (Natural Gas – 60,000 lb/hr)
- 2016 – Public solicitation for new UMaine central plant
UMEC Collective Benefits
- Once in a generation infrastructure renewal
- The conceived Project substantially achieves all the University’s goals
- The Project would minimize the University’s dependence on fossil fuels and exposure to volatile market prices
- Provides stable and favorable pricing of fuel from local and diverse supply resources
- Improvements would provide renewal and reinforcement of critical energy infrastructure
- Planned asset redundancy and fuel flexibility will ensure service continuity and operational resilience
- Fuel-switching capability will provide a mitigation strategy against any potential fuel price volatility
- The Project further demonstrates the University’s commitment to stewardship of the environment, and builds upon the tremendous progress underway
- Exhibits the University’s leadership locally and nationally by pursuing and developing opportunities that secure a future of social, environmental, and financial sustainability
UMaine's Existing Central Steam Plant
The work upon which this project is based was funded in whole or in part through a grant awarded by the Wood Education and Resource Center, Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry, U.S. Forest Service.
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