Sustainability Initiatives
of the Department of Plant & Service Operations, SIUC
Renewable Energy
Solar Electric Power
- In the summer of 2004, PSO commissioned and began operating a 28.2 kW photovoltaic power system in order to demonstrate the technology, assess its viability in southern Illinois, and educate students and the general public about renewable energy sources. So far, the project has been a success, generating over 91,500 kWh of clean solar power, reducing our electric costs and environmental impact by offsetting purchases of coal-fired electricity and lowering our peak demand. We have conducted many tours of the system, educating groups ranging from 5th grade science classes, to college engineering students, to local chapters of professional societies.
Wind Power
- In 2007 PSO began a study to determine the feasibility of constructing a wing power generation facility on campus. Preliminary performance estimates support a 2.5 megawatt turbine, which could reduce our main campus electric purchases from AmerenCIPS by 4%. This reduction amounts to an annual purchase offset of 3,547,800 kWh, saving nearly $225,000 per year in electrical cost at our current rates. Assuming that electric rates track inflation, the present value of the energy savings over the 30-year projected life of the turbine would be approximately $6,750,000.