Since 1995, MIT has produced a portion of its own power on campus through a combined heat and power (CHP) process, also known as cogeneration. When the plant’s natural gas turbine reached the end of its useful life, MIT upgraded the facility by replacing the original turbine, adding a second turbine, and installing additional new equipment.

The upgraded Central Utilities Plant (CUP) is a distributed energy resource designed to conserve energy and lower emissions while also improving the resiliency of the campus. Newer, more efficient equipment and state-of-the-art controls are expected to reduce regulated pollutant emissions by more than 25% from 2014 levels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10% (offsetting a projected 10% increase from 2014 GHG emissions levels due to energy demands created by new buildings and program growth). Since 2021, the upgraded plant has been running entirely on natural gas, eliminating the use of fuel oil except for emergencies and testing. In most situations when outside power is lost, the new turbines are expected to maintain or restore heat and electricity for the majority of campus, safeguarding residences and protecting vital research.

By upgrading its cogeneration energy resource, MIT created a flexible power system that positions the Institute to explore emerging sustainability and efficiency measures. Able to adapt and evolve in response to advances in the energy field, the expanded plant is central to MIT’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at least 32% by 2030.

Construction on the plant is completed, and both new turbines are now in service.