Possible Plant Expansion Does Not Pose Harm
By Caitlin Clinard

Is bigger always better? That’s the question that locals are raising in response to an expansion proposal by the University’s cogeneration power plant. Many people are concerned because the plant, located off of Cameron Avenue, is situated in the middle of their neighborhood.

It’s hard to miss--a power plant right in the middle of a residential neighborhood. And when the University proposes an expansion of the plant, neighbors begin to worry. But this power plant is different. It’s a cogeneration plant, meaning it produces both steam and electricity, used to cool and heat campus buildings and UNC Hospitals.

Vice Chancellor of Campus Services Carolyn Elfland said its efficiency is much greater than a regular power plant.

“The beauty of cogeneration is making two kinds of energy at the same time so that you save,” she said. “Your fuel is being used for two purposes so it’s twice as efficient.”

The proposed expansion is for purchasing a new transformer and generator, replacing the cooling towers, and building five new buildings and adding an acoustic sound wall to prevent additional sound from reaching the neighborhood. University officials say the expansion will not involve additional land.

Neighborhood resident Yashwanti Mudgil said she won’t be affected by the expansion. “It’s not expanding, right…so anyways it would be in the same area,” she said. “They are just upgrading their system, so I think it’s not going to harm anybody.”

The plant has been producing more and more steam each year to meet the needs of the campus. But the amount of electricity produced has remained the same. The expansion would allow the plant to produce more electricity.

Bonnie Morell has lived in the neighborhood right behind the plant for 33 years. “I’m not against what they’re proposing to do,” she said. “It makes economic sense and it really is a good, clean plant.”

And when adverse conditions arise and electrical companies like Duke Power are down, officials say the cogeneration plant will be able to stay operational and keep critical facilities like the hospital and research facilities operating. University officials said another benefit of cogeneration is it significantly minimizes any environmental impact.

One of the biggest misunderstandings involving the plant’s expansion is that neighbors are concerned the plant will try to expand its boiler capacity to burn more coal. University officials said the plant is not doing that. It would only add to its ability to produce additional electrical power, not steam power. Therefore, no additional coal burning or, for that matter, pollution, would be produced.