Campus De-Carbonization and the Impact on Electrical Distribution Systems

Many universities and industrial sites are pursuing electrification and de-carbonization projects to reduce their environmental impact. New electric only buildings, electric boilers, geothermal systems, photovoltaic arrays, and battery energy storage installations play an increasingly important role in carbon neutrality. We will discuss many projects ongoing at the University of Massachusetts as they pursue their net-zero carbon target, including electrification of buildings, new electric only building installations, campus-scale geothermal systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and new BESS installations. We will discuss the impact on the existing electrical distribution infrastructure, and how needed distribution upgrades can be incorporated into the Master Plan.

Case Studies:

Keywords: Electrification, De-carbonization