Campus power and energy
How U of I powers campus sustainably
University of Idaho is home to one of the most innovative district energy systems in the Northwest. From heating classrooms in winter to cooling labs in summer, our centralized energy infrastructure supports academic success while lowering environmental impact and operational costs.
At the heart of this system is the District Energy Plant, a facility that produces and distributes steam and chilled water to dozens of buildings across campus. Instead of relying on inefficient, individual heating and cooling systems in every building, our centralized approach helps reduce emissions and save energy — benefiting students, the environment and the university’s bottom line.
Steam production
Learn how U of I uses locally sourced biomass to meet 90% of its campus heating needs.
Energy resources and partners
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Energy Star
- LEED - Green Building Certification
- Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
- U.S. Department of Energy
- U.S. Energy Information Administration
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- International District Energy Association
District Energy Plant
Located at the corner of 6th and Line Street in Moscow, Idaho, the U of I Energy Plant has powered campus operations since 1926. Originally built to run on coal, the plant was converted in the 1980s to operate on woody biomass — a renewable fuel sourced from the waste products of local lumber mills.
This transition significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and created a mutually beneficial partnership with nearby industries. Today, more than 90% of the steam used to heat campus is produced using locally sourced wood chips.
To ensure environmental integrity:
- Biomass fuel is never harvested directly from forests. Instead, U of I uses waste products from lumber milling processes, protecting the health of the Coeur d’Alene, St. Joe, Kaniksu, Clearwater and Nez Perce National Forests.
- Suppliers must meet sustainability certifications.
- Wood chip delivery tractor-trailers run on biofuel produced on campus.
- The plant’s emissions are filtered, and all leftover ash is used as fertilizer by the U of I College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
Energy plant FAQs
Does the plant generate electricity?
Not yet — but a project is underway to install steam turbines that will generate on-campus power and further reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
What fuel does the steam plant use?
The primary fuel at the plant is woody biomass sourced from the waste streams of the local wood products manufacturing industry. Natural gas is used as a backup during maintenance periods and peak loads or usage times. Annually, 90-95% of the steam produced comes from biomass.
Where does this fuel (biomass) come from?
Most of the wood used at the plant comes from regional lumber mills that need to address the waste generated from the manufacturing process. A variety of manufacturers, ranging from pallet manufacturers to wineries, looking to be more environmentally friendly in Idaho, Washington and Oregon also supply fuel to the plant.
Is biomass environmentally friendly?
Yes, when managed responsibly. A majority of U of I’s biomass comes from within a 20-mile radius and is the result of waste from existing lumber operations, not deforestation. Suppliers practice selective harvesting and replant trees, helping improve forest health and reduce wildfire risks.
What happens to leftover ash?
All ash from biomass combustion is collected and repurposed as fertilizer for U of I agriculture programs — keeping it out of landfills and closing the sustainability loop.
An average of 0.5% of the wood chips by weight is left after combustion. Emissions equipment is used to remove the ash before the exhaust leaves the stack.
Does U of I use solar or other renewables?
Yes! While campus solar is limited today, U of I has rooftop solar on the IRIC, solar-powered streetlights and electric vehicle charging stations. More renewable projects are in planning stages.
What are those curved ridges on the big stack?
The curved ridges going up the exhaust stack are designed to protect the stack from high winds. Besides adding structural rigidity, the shape also redirects winds upwards, which helps carry exhaust up and away from the area.
Can I tour the Energy Plant?
Absolutely. Tours are available for individuals or groups, and many U of I classes include energy plant visits. To schedule, email Karrie May at kmay@uidaho.edu.
Campus chilled water
U of I keeps campus cool using an efficient network of electric chillers and thermal storage systems. Two centralized chiller plants — one at the Energy Plant and another near the Kibbie Dome — produce chilled water that circulates through underground pipes to cool buildings.
Key benefits:
- Outdated, inefficient building chillers are replaced where possible.
- Major remodels and new buildings don’t require individual chillers.
- A 2 million gallon Thermal Energy Storage (TES) tank meets peak cooling needs during hot days while recharging at night — cutting energy costs and demand.
Campus electricity
University of Idaho purchases electricity from Avista Utilities through two main metered connections at the edge of campus. From there, power is distributed across campus using the university’s own internal electrical network. This setup allows U of I to buy electricity at a reduced rate — lower than what typical residential or small commercial customers would pay — helping reduce overall campus energy costs.