John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
Stanford University is undertaking significant upgrades to its electrical infrastructure to support its goal of achieving net-zero emissions. The Electrical Reliability Improvements (ERI) project aims to replace outdated equipment that distributes electricity across the campus, enhancing reliability, resilience, and capacity.
"Much of the current infrastructure, like transformers and vaults, is at or nearing the end of its useful life, so this project is designed to get that electrical distribution system up to code," said Brian Schultze, ERI project manager.
The upgrades will enable Stanford to further electrify buildings and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This effort is part of Stanford's new Climate Action Plan, set for publication next year. The plan outlines steps to mitigate climate change impacts and prepare for future conditions such as extreme weather events.
"Stanford is taking a leadership role, both with ERI, which will prepare our campus for electrification, and the Climate Action Plan, which will provide the global community with a roadmap for how to reach net zero responsibly," said Provost Jenny Martinez.
The project involves replacing over six miles of high-voltage electrical duct bank and around 200 transformers. "The ERI project will replace over six miles of high-voltage electrical duct bank, around 200 transformers, and a lot of other infrastructure that we care for," Schultze added.
Work began in January and will occur in phases over 12 to 16 years. The first phase focuses on critical infrastructure nearing obsolescence. Subsequent phases will address less critical equipment and those reaching the end of their useful life soon. Schultze emphasized that disruptions would be minimized through coordination with campus partners.
Ron Gawer, senior director of energy operations overseeing the ERI upgrades, noted that routine maintenance was insufficient given the aging state of much of the distribution equipment. "We also concluded that this is a much bigger effort than what could be accomplished with just routine maintenance, so we proposed a major overhaul," he said.
Since 2015, Stanford has operated on predominantly renewable grid-sourced electricity through its Stanford Energy System Innovations (SESI) program. "Stanford has significantly reduced its direct carbon footprint – Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions – by 80%, and currently operates on 100% renewable electricity," said Kristin Parineh from the Office of Sustainability.
California's similar ambitious climate goals have led many energy customers to switch from carbon-fueled energy to clean electricity. This shift has increased pressure on the state's power grid.
In 2020, Stanford's Board of Trustees set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The upcoming Climate Action Plan details steps being taken towards this goal. "This initiative brings together the highest levels of leadership, subject matter experts, and the passionate contributions of our students and faculty to redefine what is possible for climate action on our campus," said Sam Lubow from the Office of Sustainability.
Parineh acknowledged that while ERI is complex and broad in scope, it sets an example for other organizations aiming to reduce carbon emissions. "We are very grateful to the Stanford community for enduring the construction over the coming years so this important and consequential project can carry Stanford into a more sustainable future."
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