
The Cameron Avenue Cogeneration Facility uses both natural gas and coal to generate steam that is used for heating, humidification, domestic hot water and other services for University academic, residence and research buildings and UNC Hospitals. To meet the campus steam demand, and to maintain the necessary high levels of reliability and resilience, Carolina needs to have multiple fuel options and be able to store fuel on site.
In support of the University’s Climate Action Plan, Carolina is working to transition away from coal while increasing the use of renewable fuels. As part of the University’s ongoing research and monitoring of alternative fuels, we are pursuing a modification to our Title V Permit, in compliance with the federal Clean Air Act, with the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Division of Air Quality so that we can test a new alternative fuel for 12 months. As part of the permit modification request, the DEQ will run a standard public comment and hearing process.
The fuel we propose to test is engineered fuel pellets from Convergen Energy, known as non-hazardous secondary material (NHSM). Created from pre-consumer paper and plastic scraps that would otherwise end up in landfills, this ultra-low carbon fuel is classified by the EPA as a non-hazardous, non-waste fuel. This fuel is cost competitive, boasts an emissions profile that matches or exceeds that of our current fuels and has shown promising results at other industrial sites and universities.
If adopted for use, this fuel can be conveniently stored in our existing silos and used in our solid fuel boilers with minimal adjustments. Given that North Carolina is a major producer of the materials used to create this fuel, pursuing its long-term use could lead to the establishment of a local production facility by the manufacturer, ensuring a reliable local supply.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to the campus Climate Action Plan, we are pleased to take this next step in the process of building a more modern, sustainable fuel portfolio,” said Tony Millette, executive director of Energy Services.
Resources
- Material Selection and Testing
- Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Engineered Fuel Pellets
- Renewable Power Comparison
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Laboratory Testing
Updates and Correspondence
- July 20, 2024: Permit Application
- July 31, 2024: Permit Application Acknowledgment
- Oct. 24, 2024: Request for Temporary Hold on Application
- Dec. 4, 2024: Public Hearing – Preliminary Determination of Air Quality Permit Application
- Dec. 16, 2024: (Update) Public Hearing – Preliminary Determination of Air Quality Permit Application