GHG Emissions, Solar  -  July 25, 2024

CU Boulder Signs for Off-Site Solar

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) joined a 5-MWdc virtual net metering agreement for off-site solar power. 

Under the 20-year subscription agreement with Pivot Energy, the university will utilize solar power generated by an off-site net-metering project to be developed, owned and operated by Pivot in Weld County.

The off-site solar project feeds directly into the electric grid, and CU Boulder will receive credits for the renewable energy produced on its electric bills. CU Boulder will receive 100% of the project's renewable energy credits to advance its goals to reduce Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

“The Pivot Energy agreement is an important step for CU Boulder in the sustainability realm,” University of Colorado Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz said in a statement. “We are pleased to be an inaugural subscriber under the innovative policy passed into law in Colorado to expand Colorado’s solar resources and demonstrate continued leadership in the energy transition. Sustainability – in our research, teaching and operations – is one of my top priorities as chancellor, and I am thrilled that this agreement is one of the first big projects I have the pleasure of sharing with our campus community and fellow Coloradans.”

The project is expected to be completed in early 2026 and will produce an estimated 9.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar energy annually.

The virtual net metering that CU Boulder is participating in is a new program made possible by Colorado Senate Bill 21-26.

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