Saint John’s energy capacity to rise with new STG
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Saint John’s University has installed a new steam turbine generator (STG) that is set to boost the institution’s energy-producing capacity. The STG, which will generate nearly 35% of the university’s electricity through the steam produced as a byproduct of heating and cooling, is expected to become operational in April. The project also qualifies for the Investment Tax Credit, part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, offering nonprofits up to 30% rebate on the project’s cost, and it aims to reduce expenses while improving resilience to external factors.
Saint John’s University Ushers in a New Era of Energy Efficiency with Steam Turbine Installation
In a remarkable stride towards energy efficiency, Saint John’s University has installed a new steam turbine generator (STG) within its power house, significantly enhancing its energy production capacity. This massive machinery, weighing over 37,500 pounds, was carefully placed atop a large concrete slab on December 16, marking an important milestone in a four-year-long project initiated after the decommissioning of an older, smaller turbine.
The project, a collaborative effort between the university and Saint John’s Abbey, aims to replace a STG that has been in operation since the 1950s. As the former turbine “was at the end of life”, the decision was made to decommission it in 2021, noted Russ Klein, CSB and SJU Chief Facilities and Resilience Officer. Following a year of consideration, the university embarked on the project in 2023, blending traditional methods with innovative solutions to capitalise on technological advancements.
Expected to be fully operational by April, the new STG brings the promise of the university generating nearly 35% of its electricity needs through the steam generated from heating and cooling processes. Klein highlighted the potential benefits, stating “The benefit is that it allows us to reduce expense and it does so in a way that’s both sustainable and operationally efficient.”
Additionally, the STG contributes to the institution’s resilience. Klein emphasised, “When we lose power from Xcel Energy, we not only have our diesel backups, but we have the STG that doesn’t shut off. We produce steam reliably in all conditions. Even during the hardest weather, the system continues to operate as designed, which means that when all components are functioning properly, we should not experience electrical outages.”
The project also benefits from the Investment Tax Credit, a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 that facilitates nonprofits to avail a rebate of up to 30% of a project’s cost.
“Overall, we’re going to be reducing our expenses while improving our resiliency to factors mostly out of our control,” Klein pointed out. “This project is an exemplar of financial and operational excellence.”
The installation process was no mean feat and necessitated six months of meticulous groundwork. The STG was manufactured in India before being shipped to Pennsylvania, sent to Michigan for packaging, and finally transported to Saint John’s University. A formidable 350-ton crane was deployed to position the STG on its designated spot. In addition, a new 15,000-pound transformer is also being set in place.
Klein elaborated on the immense preparation this project entailed. A mighty concrete slab was poured to bear the weight of the hefty STG, and the floor within the power house was reinforced. The underneath pathway for the machinery was also strengthened. Furthermore, intensive work was done to prepare the electrical switch gear. Klein aptly surmised the project as a “pretty big undertaking.”
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