Turn energy and the University of Denver (DU) collaborate to build on-campus solar facilities and off-site net metering solar projects, totaling more than 23 MWDC.
Solar field installation located in Palisade, Colorado. Credit: Pivot Energy
DU will use renewable energy generated by solar facilities owned and operated by Pivot Energy, allowing the university to offset total campus electricity consumption with clean solar energy, paving the way for its goal of carbon neutrality. In 2008, DU was one of the first universities to join the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment to achieve carbon neutrality. To date, fewer than 24 colleges and universities have achieved carbon neutrality.
Pivot Energy will develop a total of seven projects. The 1.2 MW solar system will be located in the Ritchie Center, increasing on-site clean energy to 10% of the university’s energy consumption. This is an expansion of DU’s 2019 solar installation project with Pivot on 18 different buildings with a total capacity of 2.2 MW.
In addition, there will be six off-site net metering solar projects totaling 22.2 MW that will produce enough clean energy to eliminate 100% of scope two greenhouse gas emissions, allowing DU to reduce half its carbon footprint . The projects will take place in Larimer, Adams, Mesa and Weld counties and will take 24 to 36 months to complete. They will then be used to teach students to provide additional pathways to advance the clean energy workforce of the future.
“The university’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality will be achieved through our unwavering determination to build a better world and a better future for our students,” said DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. “When I was appointed Chancellor at DU, I made a commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. I am pleased that we can continue our partnership with Pivot Energy to work towards achieving this goal.”
“Pivot Energy is excited to continue our partnership with DU to help achieve their clean energy goal,” said Mat Elmore, SVP Strategic Accounts at Pivot Energy. “By utilizing on-campus solar installations and off-site net metering solar projects, DU is establishing itself as a higher education institution leading the way in sustainability and advancing the clean workforce energy.”
In 2021, legislative leaders, including Colorado Senate President Steve Fenberg, passed Senate Bill 261, which created an off-site net metering program to allow more flexible access for customers interested in installing solar energy to reduce their energy consumption compensate.
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