Renewable energy covers 100% of Cornell’s power use for the first time over 100 years

Cornell reached a symbolic milestone in its journey to carbon neutrality when the campus power use was completely met by renewable energy last month.

On March 7th, 2020, the Ithaca campus saw power demand matched entirely by renewable energy for the first time. (Notably, the achievement occurred before campus operations were ramped down due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

Due to variation in power use and generation from day to day, the coverage is not consistent. But, renewable energy output did meet or surpass campus demand on another 8 days in March, and the trend has continued through April. The accomplishment shows that decades of investment in solar farm development, deep energy efficiency, and green building policies is paying off.

Cascadilla Community Solar Farm, as seen from a drone in summer — The Cascadilla Community Solar Farm, one of six solar farms built by Cornell University to help transition the campus to renewable energy in the last decade, came online in late 2019. This farm provides 18MW of renewable energy on 125 acres. | Photo: Facilities & Campus Services

Since March, there have been more than 50 hours where Cornell’s combined renewable energy systems, which includes campus rooftop solar, solar farms, and the campus hydroelectric plant, have produced more power than the campus consumed. Overall, more than 30% of the campus’ total power needs in March were offset with renewables.

“We were looking forward to achieving this milestone this summer,” said campus sustainability office director Sarah Zemanick. “We didn’t expect to reach 100% on a winter day.”

“Statewide, when we are making that much power it means a fossil-fuel-powered power plant must ramp down generation,” said Zemanick.

To date, the campus’ renewables have reached a peak generation of just over 28MW. The campus typically sees peak consumption between 25-35MW depending on the time of day and time of year.

Sunburst chart showing the days in March where renewable energy production matched or exceeded Cornell power use, with a total of 8 days. — The Cascadilla Community Solar Farm, one of six solar farms built by Cornell University to help transition the campus to renewable energy in the last decade, came online in late 2019. This farm provides 18MW of renewable energy on 125 acres. | Photo: Facilities & Campus Services

“In the 1880’s Cornell was one of the first campuses to use electricity to light its grounds from a water-powered dynamo,” said Bert Bland, associate vice president for energy and sustainability.

“It’s a thrill to be part of the team that’s bringing Cornell back to its renewable roots, just in time for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.”

On sunny days, Cornell’s on- and off-site renewable generation will regularly exceed its campus power needs from now on.

To learn more about Cornell's energy production, and see real-time campus data, visit the interactive energy dashboard.

To participate in 2020 Sustainability Month events and the 50th celebration of Earth Day, check out these resources:

Event Round-up for Sustainability Month at Cornell University, 2020
Celebrate Earth Day with the April EcoChallenge