Ohio State is committed to sustainability and recently released a plan to reduce its carbon emissions by 55% by 2030. To advance these efforts, the university sought and recently obtained approval from the Ohio Power Siting Board to build a Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP) that will provide a new source of heat and electricity to campus via a District Heating and Cooling Loop (DHC).
The CHP is expected to cut carbon emissions by more than 30% in its first full year of operation and is the university’s largest singular action to achieve emissions reductions.
The new plant, which will be located off of John Herrick Drive, is one component of an updated energy system for Ohio State that serves academic, research and medical care space and will allow for expansion within the West Campus Innovation District. A timeline for construction of the building is being finalized.
As a first step of the project, the university will begin work on a District Heating and Cooling Loop (DHC) on October 15. Project phases, including roadway and parking impacts, will be communicated in advance.