University of Denver Installs 23 MW Solar Project with Pivot Energy

The University of Denver (DU) is making a significant leap toward its 2030 carbon neutrality goal by expanding its partnership with Pivot Energy. The collaboration will develop a comprehensive 23 Megawatt (MW) portfolio of solar energy projects designed to offset 100% of the university’s campus electricity consumption.

This ambitious initiative is structured as a multifaceted seven-project portfolio. On campus, a 1.2 MW solar system will be installed on the Ritchie Center, building upon a previous 2.2 MW collaboration with Pivot in 2019 that placed panels on 18 different buildings. The bulk of the new capacity, however, will come from six off-site net metering solar projects totaling 22.2 MW. These remote installations, located across Colorado’s Larimer, Adams, Mesa, and Weld Counties, are made possible by the state’s 2021 Senate Bill 261, which established a framework for off-site net metering.

Once operational within the next 24 to 36 months, the combined projects will generate enough clean electricity to entirely eliminate DU’s scope two greenhouse gas emissions. This move is projected to cut the university’s overall carbon footprint in half, marking a pivotal step in fulfilling a pledge DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner made upon his inauguration. “The university’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality reflects our unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for our students and the world,” Haefner stated. “I pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2030. I’m excited to continue partnering with Pivot Energy to pursue this ambitious goal.”

DU’s commitment to sustainability dates back to its 2008 signing of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. This latest development, as reported by industry observers, solidifies its leadership position among higher education institutions. “Through on-campus solar installations and off-site net metering solar projects, DU is positioning itself as a leader in sustainability within higher education,” said Mat Elmore, SVP of Strategic Accounts at Pivot Energy. Beyond the environmental benefits, the projects are also intended to serve as valuable educational tools, creating learning opportunities to help cultivate the next generation of the clean energy workforce.

Sources for University of Denver Installs 23 MW Solar Project with Pivot Energy

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4. New vice chancellor for sustainability position, other sustainability initiatives announced
5. Pivot Energy and the University of Denver Celebrate Completion of First Off-Site Solar Project
6. Pivot Energy’s Year in Review
7. Pivot Energy News Releases
8. Pivot Energy News and Press Releases | PR Newswire
9. University of Denver to work with Pivot Energy for 23 MW of solar power