Project Development Timeline

Public Solicitation for a Market-Based Solution

On February 12, 2016, the University of Maine System Office of Strategic Procurement posted a Request for Proposals (RFP 43-16).

In February of 2018, Honeywell was awarded the right to negotiate with UMaine, largely based upon the merits of Honeywell’s “Project Concept,” which was the initial scope of a proposed solution that best met the University’s four goals.

Honeywell's Project Concept

  • A new energy plant, the UMaine Energy Center (UMEC), located on the east side of campus
  • Renewable steam generation through two biomass boilers and two dual-fuel boilers
  • Renewable electrical generation through a steam turbine generator and a solar PV array
  • Reliability upgrades to critical steam and electrical infrastructure that has exceeded its useful life
  • A pathway to demand-side energy-savings opportunities
At the March 6, 2019 University of Maine System Board of Trustees Finance/Facilities/Technology Committee Meeting, the following resolution, regarding completion of UMEC Phase II (schematic design), was approved: "That the Board of Trustees, acting through the Finance, Facilities and Technology Committee authorizes the University of Maine System acting through the University of Maine to pursue the University of Maine Energy Center project and to enter agreements under which as much $5.7 million could be expended from University funds identified by the Chief Business Officer and Treasurer, subject to review by the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration and Treasurer and University Counsel."

Final Phase II Recommended Pathway

Design a Central Steam Plant addition (adjacent and south of the existing plant) comprising three dual-fuel renewable liquid/gas boilers with new auxiliary equipment. Major upgrades to the campus electrical and steam distribution systems must be included for existing and future campus growth and reliability. The project is intended to be bond funded and paid for through energy savings associated with fuel switching, efficiency improvements, conservation, and renewable programs that the University may subscribe to.

June 2019 – Major renewable energy and climate change bills signed into State of Maine Law

  • UMaine/UMS is participating in a statewide multi-party consortium formed through CES, our energy consultant, and have committed ~60% (27,000,000 kWh/yr) of our electrical load to the program

March 2020 – COVID-19 Delay

January 2021 –  FFT approved the following resolve 

  • “That the Board of Trustees accepts the recommendation of the Finance, Facilities and Technology Committee, and approves the resolution entitled Reimbursement for Project Expenditures” with respect to financing the UMEC project

May 2021 – Phase II begins

  • Eight UMEC options were developed. After extensive quantitative and qualitative analysis, five options were eliminated and the remaining three were subjected to further investigation. Further communications with UMaine leadership resulted in direction to use 100% renewable fuel at the Central Steam Plant in future, effectively eliminating the future use of fossil fuels at the Plant

June 2022 – The university executed a Design-Build Agreement with Honeywell.

  • Schematic Engineering Design (worth approximately $3.75 million) is commencing on a Central Steam Plant addition consisting of dual-fuel liquid/gas boilers, new auxiliary equipment, and significant campus electrical system upgrades. The scope and costs of the project will be refined over the next 12 months to arrive at a total project cost.

Phase II Points For Consideration

  • In order to undertake future campus expansion projects, many aspects of the UMEC project must be completed first
  • A successful UMEC project is necessary for campus heating and electrical reliability
  • Quantitative analysis indicates that building a west plant addition will ultimately cost less (over a 28-year period) than renovating the existing west plant

Concurrent Complimentary Initiatives

  • A contract that will provide approximately two-thirds of UMaine’s electricity supply from renewable generation sources for the next ~20 years
  • Proceeding with a demand-side campus energy project that focuses on conservation, efficiency, occupant comfort, and deferred maintenance
  • All new campus construction is being designed to use low-temperature hot water for space heating, to the extent possible, and sustainable construction methods

Future Milestones

At the end of Phase II, UMaine will:

  • Decide the final scope and scale of the Central Steam Plant addition for Honeywell to provide a firm fixed-price proposal
  • Seek approval and acceptance of the proposed firm fixed price
  • Obtain Institutional and BOT approval for the next phase (Phase III – final design and construction)
  • Upon obtaining necessary approvals, the design-build agreement will be amended by signature to include final design and construction of the project
  • Secure financing and commence construction