Project

NJ I-Bank Project of the Week: Rutgers University receives $30 million in Water Bank loans saving ratepayers approximately $8.5 million.

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, recently completed clean water improvements that are being financed with approximately $30 million in loans from the NJ Water Bank, a low-rate funding program jointly administered by the DEP and the NJ I-Bank. Including interest cost savings, total savings for this project is estimated to be $8,495,523 over the 30-year term of the loan or 36% of the total project cost. In addition, this project created an estimated 360 direct construction jobs. 

Rutgers University's Busch/Livingston Campus in Piscataway, NJ replaced three generator sets that operate on natural gas to create electricity and steam called cogeneration or combined heat and power (CHP)].  The gas turbines produce high temperature exhaust which is recovered to generate steam and hot water. The project will provide an estimated energy cost savings of $1 million per year. The updated technology will result in a 50% decrease in emissions and save Rutgers 8 million gallons of water per year.

Michael D. Kornitas, CEM, LEED, Director of Sustainability and Energy at Rutgers, the State University of NJ, commended the project. “This cogeneration facility provides electricity to the Busch and Livingston Campuses, along with high temperature hot water to both campuses for heating. It serves over 10 million square feet of space, including classrooms, lecture halls, and research laboratories. The technology used reduced the emissions of the existing plant by 50% and significantly reduced the water use for the turbines. This project saves on energy costs, water, reduces emissions and, strategic borrowing through the NJ Water Bank saves us money on capital costs in the long run as well.” 

This project was designed by Rutgers University in-house engineers, and the equipment was purchased from and installed by Solar Turbine, Inc. Electrical work was performed by Maul Electric Inc., and MP Electric.

Published 1/31/2024

Pictures courtesy of Solar Turbine, Inc.