University purchases eco-friendly energy

With addition of three local wind and solar sources, officials hope to cut carbon emissions in half

By Claire Saravia

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Faced with the goal of cutting carbon emissions in half by 2020, the university purchased green energy from three local wind and solar sources that will soon provide part of the campus' power for the next two decades.

The University System of Maryland partnered with the state Department of General Services last year to launch the "Generating Clean Horizons" initiative — a 20-year power purchase agreement launched in 2008 with several green energy producers in the area. Soon, the solar plants and two wind farms will be operational.

The system purchased 10 megawatts — or 20 percent — of the annual energy produced by Roth Rock Wind Farm in Garrett County, Md., which began operating in July. Additionally, officials bought all 55 megawatts of West Virginia's Pinnacle Wind Farm, which will begin producing energy in December. The system also invested in a 15-megawatt solar project at Mount St. Mary's University set to launch next year.

More here.

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