New agreement advances university’s sustainability goals
Canton, N.Y. —Gravity Renewables, an owner and operator of renewable energy projects across the country, will connect St. Lawrence University to approximately 4.3 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean hydropower per year thanks to a new agreement. The move to local hydropower will provide the University with reliably priced clean power that will help them get nearly 100% of their electricity from renewable sources.
“Several years ago, the University made a commitment to strengthening its environmental stewardship,” said President William L. Fox ’75. “The hydro power we have committed to is one more step by St. Lawrence on that important journey.”
The university will benefit from power generated at the Kings Falls small hydro facility in Lewis County. The dam and its power generation unit were damaged during Hurricane Irene and have been offline since 2011. This agreement will allow for the refurbishment and repair of the dam. The facility is expected to provide the campus with the equivalent of 4.3 million kilowatts of electricity annually when it becomes operational. St. Lawrence has the option of renewing the contract for an additional 10 years.
“St. Lawrence University is moving towards the clean energy future and utilizing one of upstate New York’s great natural resources,” said Ted Rose, CEO of Gravity Renewables. “New York is rich in sustainable small and micro hydro facilities—and agreements like this support their continued health. Hydropower’s reliability makes it a perfect fit for institutions looking to move to full carbon neutrality. ”
St. Lawrence University is fast becoming a national leader in clean energy and sustainability. In addition to clean hydropower, the university is using solar and wind energy, and implementing conservation, green building and energy efficiency to ensure that nearly 100% of their energy will come from renewable sources.
– Read the full release from St. Lawrence University here.
About Gravity Renewables
Gravity Renewables is a leading national owner, operator and developer of small hydroelectric power plants. Small hydropower provides predictable, reliable, affordable clean energy that’s locally produced. By making a long-term commitment to these neighborhood facilities, Gravity restores and conserves important historical sites, employs local operators and promotes educational and recreational opportunities in the communities it serves. Gravity currently has more than 34 MW of hydroelectric projects operating and under development across the country. For more information please visit www.gravityrenewables.com or contact us at 303.440.3378. Follow Gravity Renewables on Twitter or Facebook.