With a 555 kW natural gas cogeneration system as its central element, Chevron Energy Solutions Friday declared an energy efficiency success story at one of San Diego Community College District’s campuses, Miramar College, claiming 30% energy reductions and $200,000 annual fuel bill savings. The net cost of the energy services contract was $4.5 million after the college received a $555,000 rebate from the state.

The community college district, local energy and government officials and Chevron representatives gathered on the Miramar campus Friday to “celebrate” the energy-saving results.

College district Chancellor Constance M. Carroll, Ph.D., lauded the project for its energy, economic and environmental benefits. “Improvements like this demonstrate a responsible use of taxpayer funds, which is one of the top priorities of our Board of Trustees.”

Chevron engineered and installed the energy upgrades at the Miramar campus, including the cogeneration system and two high-efficiency chillers, and it also installed a microturbine at one of the district’s other campuses, Mesa Community College. Miramar’s cogeneration system will lower the campus’ power demand by as much as 3.6 million kWh/year, which Chevron equated with eliminating about 900,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO-2) annually.

“Congeneration is a great example of an efficient power source because it recovers waste heat that can then be used for heating or cooling purposes [in addition to producing electricity],” said Jim Davis, president of Chevron’s energy services unit. “We commend the San Diego Community College District for its decision to install these systems. Making energy efficiency and on-site power improvements is one of the most cost-effective ways to extend America’s energy resources.”

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