1. University of Pennsylvania partners with AES to purchase solar power from two large solar farms.
2. Solar installations help move the university and healthcare facilities closer to their goal of being 100% carbon neutral by 2042.
3. Land previously used for agriculture is now home to the solar farms, providing educational opportunities and promoting sustainability.
The University of Pennsylvania, a member of the Ivy League, has made a major commitment to solar power by purchasing the output from two large solar farms, Great Cove I and Great Cove II. These solar farms consist of 485,000 solar panels with a total capacity of 220 MW, making it the largest solar project in Pennsylvania. The university signed a power purchase agreement with AES Corporation to buy the electricity produced and receive solar renewable energy credits.
The partnership with AES has enabled the university to make significant progress towards its goal of being 100% carbon neutral by 2042. The solar farms began operations in December 2023 and reached full capacity by the end of February. The University of Pennsylvania has been proactive in its sustainability efforts, with plans dating back to 2007 when former president Amy Gutmann signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment.
The solar installations not only help reduce the university’s carbon footprint but also provide educational opportunities for students. The land where the solar farms are located was previously used for agriculture, and AES has engaged interns and graduate students for research related to renewable energy and sustainability. This initiative serves as an example for other educational institutions to follow in promoting sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.