The University of Pittsburgh and Vesper Energy recently cut the ribbon on the Gaucho Solar project, the largest solar farm in southwestern Pennsylvania. The project is a joint venture between the university and Vesper Energy, a sustainable energy company, and will provide all of the electricity for the Oakland campus for the next 20 years.
The solar farm is located on 68 acres near Pittsburgh International Airport and will produce approximately 35,700 megawatt-hours of electricity per year. This will offset 18% of the Oakland campus's energy needs and reduce the university's greenhouse gas emissions by 15,452 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.
The Gaucho Solar project is a major step forward for Pitt in its commitment to carbon neutrality. The university has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2037, and this project is one of many initiatives that are being undertaken to reach that goal.
The project was made possible by a 20-year power purchase agreement between Pitt and Vesper Energy. Under the agreement, Pitt will purchase all of the electricity produced by the solar farm at a fixed price. This will help to reduce the university's energy costs and make it more affordable to switch to renewable energy.
The Gaucho Solar project is a win-win for both Pitt and the environment. The project will help the university to reduce its carbon footprint and save money on energy costs, while also providing a clean and renewable source of energy for the Oakland campus.
The project was praised by students and faculty alike. Allyson Frantz, president of Epsilon Eta Delta, a professional environmental science fraternity, said that the project is an "actionable first step" towards Pitt's goal of carbon neutrality.
"I think having this completed is an actionable first step for us," Frantz said. "And I think it encourages the faculty as well as students to continue doing more work."
The Gaucho Solar project is a significant milestone in Pitt's journey towards carbon neutrality. The project is a major investment in renewable energy and will help the university to reduce its environmental impact.
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Categories: Pennsylvania, Energy