Cornell Combined Heat and Power Plant
Cornell University's Climate Action Plan set a goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. A key component to the success of this initiative was the Cornell Combined Heat and Power Plant project (CCHPP), the result of extensive study and development by CHA. The CCHPP integrated a 30 MW cogeneration system into the existing boiler house infrastructure to provide energy and fuel flexible security. It allowed the retirement of coal-fired resources, and transitioned from No. 6 to No. 2 oil as the primary fuel source.
CHA integrated advanced dual-fuel 15 MW dry low-NOx Solar Turbines Titan 130 gas turbine generators (GTG) alongside two dual-pressure duct-fired Rentech heat recovery steam turbine generators (GTG) featuring SCR and CO emissions control. A new 3.2-mile high-pressure gas pipeline was constructed to eliminate on-site gas compression needs. A carefully engineered new structure was designed to house the equipment. The modernization efforts extended to the existing 115-13.2 kV substation, along with the addition of a third transformer to accommodate the CCHPP's output and increase reliability. These upgrades were successfully implemented without causing any disruptions to campus services.
Project summary
Construction of a 3.2-mile high pressure gas pipeline.
Achieve net greenhouse emissions goal of zero by 2050.
Integration of a 30MW cogeneration system into existing boiler house.
Talk to an expert
John Joyce, P.Eng.*
Associate Vice President,
Business Practice Leader,
Power and Thermal Generation
John has over two decades of experience gained from the roles of Business Manager for Hatch Energy and Director of Operations for Trenergy Inc. He also has international experience in business development, corporate governance and project execution for the power generation and heavy industrial machinery industries.
