NMU breaks ground on new renewable energy plant

It's summer construction season, and at Northern Michigan University, that means breaking ground on a new renewable energy heating plant long in the works.

The Ripley Heating Plant at Northern is old and has been scheduled for replacement for years; this year, the new plant is finally being built. What's more, it's hardly a copy of the old plant--it's a new biomass-capable plant that can burn wood chips and wood byproducts.

Developed in conjunction with Johnson Controls, the new plant will cost about $16.4 million, but aims to reduce overall operating costs, make fuel choices more flexible, use renewable resources, and create jobs.

"By being able to burn multiple types of fuel, the university has a critical ability to fiscally react to significant changes in the fuel source marketplace," says Brian Cloyd, chair of the NMU Board of Trustees. "The new plant will also incorporate the best available control technology and meet federal EPA and Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment standards."

It will produce up to 87 percent of the steam energy used on campus. That energy currently is produced by burning coal at the Ripley Heating Plant. The new plant also will produce up to 16 percent of campus electricity, reducing the amount the university purchases.

The old heating plant will remain in place, with the new plant being built next to it. The old plant will serve as a backup in times of peak demand, and will also be receiving about $800,000 of long-term maintenance to get it up to snuff. NMU expects the plant to be able to burn its first fuel in January.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Brian Cloyd, Northern Michigan University