Encased in a square, hangar-like building, Pacific Union College’s new cogeneration plant doesn’t exactly look like a cutting-edge power facility from the outside. But the immense configuration of grey metal and pipes encased inside is certainly a big deal as far as the campus, the community, and the environment are concerned.

Facing rising energy costs and issues of unreliability in their external power source, PUC began looking in the late 1990s at new approaches to energy supply and conservation. By 2004, the college had put a bold plan into effect for building their own power source in the form of an efficient, environmentally friendly cogeneration plant.

A cogeneration plant produces both electricity and steam, with the electricity going directly to power the campus, while the steam is used for heating, air-conditioning and hot water needs. This solution, though a huge initial commitment for a small college, promises to be a win-win-win situation. It offers the school a very reliable, self-contained power source; its 1,400-kilowatt Kawasaki turbine generator is environmentally sensitive and unparalleled for its low emissions levels; and with its high efficiency and an excellent 10-year fuel contract, the plant promises to pay for itself quickly and then save the school significant costs.

Napa County Supervisor Diane Dillon, who spoke at the plant’s grand opening on Oct. 21, said that the plant is “Clean, clever and climate smart.” In addition to Dillon, the grand opening was attended by officials from Trane, Kawasaki, Titan, and Patch Services—all companies involved in various ways in the construction and powering of the new plant. Members of the local community, media, Napa Valley Advisory Council and Pacific Union Conference also joined college faculty, staff and students in the opening ceremonies and plant tours.

While all these electrical, financial, and environmental considerations are vitally important to the college and the new plant, PUC Church Senior Pastor Tim Mitchell reminded those gathered at the grand opening that the new power source functions in a grander scheme. In his prayer of dedication, he expressed the college’s desire that this power source be used not merely for powering hair dryers and desk lamps, but for contributing to a mission and a quality of life that enhances effective service and a sense of belonging on the campus, in the community, and in the wider circle of society that will be impacted by the students when they move on from PUC.