Stanford Now Runs On 100% Renewable Energy

PALO ALTO, CA — Stanford University now runs on 100 percent renewable energy following the completion of its second solar generating plant, the university announced online.

Stanford’s Solar Generating Station #2, a 63-megawatt photovoltaic plant, began commercial operation in mid-March. This serves as the final component of the Stanford Energy System Innovations, a years-long redesign and transition from a fossil-fuel based power grid to one powered by renewable energy.

“As this new solar plant comes online, Stanford will achieve the important milestone of producing enough renewable electricity to exceed what the university consumes,” President Marc Tessier-Lavigne said in a statement. “But our work to achieve a more sustainable future is only beginning.”

Excess energy from the plant will also be used to help power Bay Area Rapid Transit, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Central Coast Community Energy and the Power and Water Resources Pooling Authority.

Through a combination of other efforts, the university has experienced a nearly 80 percent reduction from peak levels in 2011, Stanford said. The university is working toward its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions on campus, and zero waste by 2030.

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