To advance its goal of 100% carbon neutrality by 2042, the University of Pennsylvania has brought two large solar farms online in central Pennsylvania’s Fulton and Franklin counties. With a combined capacity of 220 MW, the farms became operational in December 2023, representing the largest solar project in the state and a major step forward for alternative energy in Pennsylvania.
Why Solar Power?
As part of the prestigious Ivy League, the University of Pennsylvania is known for both its academic programs and extensive healthcare facilities. Together, these facilities consume approximately 300 MW of energy, which is comparable to a third of the output of an average-sized nuclear power plant.
Through a power purchase agreement signed with Community Energy in February 2020, the University of Pennsylvania secured the entire output of the Great Cove I and Great Cove II solar farms.
Under the agreement, the University of Pennsylvania pays AES for electricity generated by the Great Cove project and receives solar renewable energy credits, while AES sells the power to the regional grid operator, PJM. This initiative, which reached full operational capacity in February 2024, significantly advances the university’s aim of achieving 100% carbon neutrality for its Philadelphia-area facilities by 2042.
During Energy Week, Interim President J. Larry Jameson expressed pride in the university’s rapid progress toward carbon neutrality, emphasizing the project’s significance for both Penn and the city of Philadelphia.
Anne Papageorge, senior vice president of facilities and real estate services, highlighted the partnership with AES as crucial for accelerating the university’s adoption of renewable energy. She commended the agreement for its alignment with the institution’s mission and its leadership on climate action. Walter Crenshaw, senior director of origination at AES, also emphasized the importance of Penn’s commitment and leadership in driving renewable energy initiatives.
How the Solar Power Journey Began
Former Penn president Amy Gutmann signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2007, leading to the formation of the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee.
Penn released its first Climate Action Plan in 2009, aiming for carbon neutrality. The university now operates under its Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 3.0, which sets a new goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2042.
Professor William Braham highlighted the need to expand renewable energy beyond individual buildings. His perspective prompted Penn to consider increasing its solar energy usage to 70%, particularly after recognizing the potential for cost savings in addition to environmental benefits.
In 2019, after reviewing proposals from 30 developers, Ben Suplick, the university’s director of engineering and energy planning, narrowed the field to three companies.
Committing to Sustainable Energy
Community Energy—now part of AES—was selected based on factors like location, cost, and confidence in project completion. Construction ran from April 2022 to November 2023, with the AES Pennsylvania team installing over 50 miles of cabling underground. Despite supply chain challenges, AES adapted its approach, showing the creativity and flexibility required to complete the project.
The University of Pennsylvania’s commitment to sustainable energy not only meets its carbon reduction goals but also educates students and staff on the importance of sustainability. This move will prevent 130,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually for over 25 years, demonstrating the power of educational institutions to lead by example.
The project sends a clear message urging other colleges and universities to follow suit: true education means not only discussing but also actively implementing solutions for a just and sustainable society.