Green Power Partnership
Partner Profile
| University of Minnesota, Morris | |
| Location | Morris, MN |
| Organization Type | Education (Higher) |
| Percentage Green Power | 58.2% |
| Organization-wide Purchase | Yes |
| Awards/Recognition | Green Power Leadership Award 2005 |
Environmental Web Page  | |
| Partner Profile University of Minnesota, Morris (Morris) is actively working to increase the amount of renewable energy that its produces on-site. Morris’ goal is to produce more energy than it consumes. Currently, there are two 1.65 megawatt (MW) wind turbines that provide power to Morris. The first turbine erected in 2005 was the first large-scale turbine to be erected at a public university in the United States. It was erected by the U of M West Central Research and Outreach Center. The second was erected in 2011 by the University of Minnesota, Morris. Together, the turbines produce over 60 percent of its annual electricity usage. In October 2012, they were producing more than 70 percent of total electricity usage. The combined output of the turbines is roughly 10.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. Morris consumes about 8.7 million kWh per year, exporting over 1.5 million kWh to the electrical grid that it does not use. In addition to wind turbines, Morris also has an on-campus biomass gasification plant, solar PV, solar thermal, and green buildings. Vice Chancellor of Finance and Facilities at Morris, Lowell Rasmussen notes, “Students have been the catalyst at Morris. About ten years ago our students worked to purchase wind power on campus. Because of their advocacy and work, we have many renewable energy and conservation systems on campus. Students have been our key drivers of change.” | |