SJSU Quadruples Its Power Plant

SAN JOSE-San Jose State University is planning to expand its cogeneration power plant to generate up to 22 megawatts by quadrupling the capacity of its existing plant.

The university currently makes up to 80% of the electricity it uses, making a nearly self-sufficient facility. However, the university plans to add about 3 million-sf to the campus and about 20% more students over the next 10 years, so officials say a power expansion is needed.

With the expansion, it plans to power the new SJSU/City of San Jose library, as well as many other large facilities, such as the new San Jose City Hall, a campus research park, and campus housing facilities.

The university has sold $15 million in bonds to pay for the project, and will need to come up with another $30 million for construction costs.

The plant expansion is scheduled for completion in 2004.