Nov 26 2010
Missouri University of Science and Technology has planned to develop a geothermal energy project in replacement of an old power plant at the campus. The geothermal plant is expected to cut down25 thousand tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year for the university.
Initially, the geothermal system is expected to save annual operational and energy costs of about $1.4 million and increase savings to a maximum of $2.8 million in the future.
The geothermal project, along with other projects of the university, has been approved by the UM Board of Curators, for debt financing. The geothermal plant is scheduled to be completed in five years.
The existing power plant of the university was constructed in 1945, and it operates on wood chips and coal. The coal power plant supplies steam-generated heat to almost all the buildings in the campus. Meanwhile, the rest of the buildings are provided with energy by Rolla Municipal Utilities.