Setting a New Benchmark for Campus Energy Infrastructure
Challenge
A Midwestern university launched a smart campus project to modernize its energy infrastructure and advance campus-wide sustainability goals. The project included construction of a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facility integrated with a District Heating and Cooling (DHC) system to replace aging natural gas and oil-fired boilers, strengthen energy reliability and permanently retire Boiler 5 to further reduce emissions.
The CHP facility consists of two Siemens SGT-700 natural gas–fired combustion turbines with duct burners and a common steam turbine generator, providing a nominal gross output of 105.5 MW in summer and 85.1 MW in winter. Due to its size and emissions profile, the project was subject to extensive state and federal air quality requirements.
Solution
TRC provided air quality permitting and regulatory compliance support for the project. Our team evaluated compliance with NOX Budget Trading and NOX RACT requirements, as well as federal New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) under 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart KKKK.
We incorporated advanced emission control technologies including selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems and oxidation catalysts to meet stringent limits for NOX, CO and VOC emissions. Our practitioners also proposed Best Available Technology (BAT) to control PM10, PM2.5, SO₂, greenhouse gases and other regulated pollutants, using high-efficiency combustion systems, clean-burning natural gas and cooling towers equipped with drift eliminators.
We conducted air dispersion modeling using AERMOD in accordance with state EPA guidance to assess potential impacts to ambient air quality.
Results
TRC’s permitting and modeling efforts demonstrated that emissions from the CHP facility remain well below applicable ambient air quality thresholds, providing regulatory certainty for the project. With an overall efficiency of approximately 75 percent, the project significantly improves energy efficiency, reduces emissions and strengthens campus energy reliability.
By replacing older boilers and implementing advanced emissions controls, the university established a modern, resilient energy system that supports long-term sustainability goals and delivers lasting benefits to both the campus and the surrounding community.