Coalition of Universities Band Together to Buy Renewable Energy

Twenty-one state and private universities have come together to form a renewable energy purchasing consortium. The coalition is called NYCARES which stands for New York Campuses’ Aggregate Renewable Energy Solutions. Participating schools include the 16 campuses in the SUNY system as well as Cornell University Ithaca campus.

The universities are looking to source large-scale solar photovoltaic, wind, hydroelectric, and energy storage projects. The initiative was started in 2018 and will begin soliciting projects no later than 2020. The advantages of the consortium include lower costs, protection against volatile gas prices and research opportunities.

NYCARES’ stated vision is to “create positive change in our regional renewable energy market, advance partnerships between New York State higher education campuses, and help us advance our academic missions by powering our campuses in a manner that is financially viable, environmentally conscious, and socially just.”

Chancellor Kristina Johnson says she wants to see all SUNY campuses reach 100 percent renewable electricity by 2020. The initiative is also consistent with the energy goals of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.

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