CHARLES Sturt University’s new cogeneration (cogen) power plant on its Bathurst campus will save the university nearly a quarter of a million dollars in its first year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2870 tonnes.
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The system was officially opened yesterday by the university’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole.
The power plant will improve the university’s efficiency in energy use while lowering its annual greenhouse gas emissions by seven per cent.
CSU Green manager Ed Maher is pleased to see the system now in operation.
“The cogen plant will generate more than half the electricity needed on the campus, will help cut costs, and most importantly, reduce the university’s carbon footprint,” he said.
Cogen uses natural gas, which emits low amounts of carbon dioxide, to power a large engine to generate electricity.
The system will produce 65 per cent of the power needed for CSU in Bathurst. It will be used to power the student residences and run equipment used in research laboratories.
The engine’s heat recovery system will also provide hot water for use in many campus buildings, as well as heating.
Professor Vann said the switch to cogen energy has been about four years in development.
“This project is a fantastic example of what organisations can do if they are willing to make changes,” Professor Vann said.
“It is one of the reasons I was interested in coming here.
“In Bathurst, which is famed for its motorsport and all things engine, this is a substantial piece of kit.”
The cogeneration power plant weighs 22 tonnes.
It was made in Australia, transported to Hungary, where it was fitted with a soundproof enclosure, and then shipped to Bathurst.
It arrived here in April.
“The new cogen power plant demonstrates the university’s commitment to sustainable energy efficiency, in partnership with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) Energy Saver Program,” Professor Vann said.
“Charles Sturt University aims to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2015, and a key component of our journey towards this is through improved energy efficiency within our buildings and facilities.
“Cogen is part of our overall sustainability approach. It represents a significant savings in financial and environmental terms.”
Professor Vann said a university should lead by example.
“We want to take a leadership role in this, but it is up to all big organisations to do what they can in terms of sustainability.”
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said he applauds CSU for being a leader in the area of sustainability.
“Sustainability is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
“The cogen plant is going to save power, save money and benefit the environment.
“Those $247,000 in savings will go back into the university and into the community.”
