Eastern Michigan University’s Modernized Energy Infrastructure

The Challenge

Replace aging central plant equipment while improving reliability, efficiency, and long-term operating costs

Project Overview

Eastern Michigan University partnered with OPTERRA Energy Services to modernize campus energy infrastructure through a multi-phase program that began with comprehensive facility upgrades and culminated in a major cogeneration plant modernization. The initiative addressed end-of-life boilers and cogeneration systems while improving operational performance across residence halls, dining facilities, and the central heating plant, ultimately strengthening campus reliability, efficiency, and resilience.

Modernized piping, insulated steam lines, and control valves inside Eastern Michigan University’s central heating plant following cogeneration system upgrades to improve efficiency and reliability.

Key Benefits

Energy

• Cogeneration capacity increased from 4.5 MW to 7.8 MW of on-site power generation.
• Steam production increased from 56 MMBtu tp 90 MMBtu through a new heat recovery steam generator.
• Improved campus reliability with black-start capability and electric import control strategy.

Savings

• Approximately $2.8 million in annual savings from cogeneration modernizations.
• Central heating plant efficiency increased from 68% to 83%.
• Reduced long-term operating costs through modernized boilers, controls, and systems.

Community

• Campus able to remain operational during major energy outages.
• Renovated cogeneration facility created approximately 50 local construction jobs.
• University positioned to serve as a safe haven for the surrounding community during outages.

Natural gas piping, valves, and monitoring equipment installed as part of Eastern Michigan University’s cogeneration facility modernization to enhance efficiency, safety, and system control.

Energy Assessment and Strategy

OPTERRA conducted a phased assessment of campus facilities to evaluate aging infrastructure, efficiency opportunities, and system reliability needs. The strategy prioritized comprehensive facility upgrades, such as boiler replacements, building envelope improvements, air handling enhancements, and advanced energy management systems, before implementing cogeneration modernization to ensure optimized system sizing, performance, and long-term reliability.

Implementation and Delivery

The program was delivered through a design-build approach across multiple phases, including a $19.8 million cogeneration modernization project. Improvements included a natural gas-fired turbine, heat recovery steam generator, upgraded controls, redundant compressor systems, and continuous monitoring through Utilityvision™, enabling ongoing performance optimization while minimizing disruption to campus operations.