Partnership Brings Clean Energy Plant to Mount Campus

Students to be Given First-Hand Experience 

Emmitsburg, MD – Mount St. Mary’s University announces a partnership with Constellation Energy Group to create and house one of the nation’s largest solar photovoltaic power farms. 

This project is part of the state-wide initiative, Generating Clean Horizons, to use clean, renewable resources to supply power to Maryland universities and many state-run offices.

“This unique partnership with Constellation Energy strengthens Mount St. Mary’s University’s commitment to Maryland and to the promotion and creation of clean energy.  It continues the ‘greening’ of the Mount,” says Thomas H. Powell, Mount St. Mary’s University president.  “Our students will be on the forefront of responsible land use and creation of renewable energy resources. Frederick County will benefit not only from our generation of clean energy but also from the reduction of dependence on more traditional use of coal, natural gas and fossil fuels. “

This power system is expected to be completed by December 2012 and create 15.9 megawatts of power with 1.2 megawatts being supplied back to the Mount.

"Constellation Energy is pleased to be partnering with the state of Maryland and Mount St. Mary’s University on the Generating Clean Horizons initiative to develop new sources of clean power and stimulate the economy through the growth of the clean energy sector," said Mayo A. Shattuck III, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Constellation Energy. "This large-scale solar facility will make a significant contribution to our shared goal of a cleaner energy future."

The Mount is dedicating 100 of its 1,400 campus acres to this initiative.

Jeff Simmons, Mount environmental studies professor says “this agreement, advances the Mount several steps closer toward its goal of a sustainable university. Converting sunlight energy into electricity is one of the cleanest and environmentally benign methods for producing electricity on a large scale. Plus, having the solar panels right here on campus will provide extraordinary learning opportunities for our students.”

Mount St. Mary's University, founded in 1808, presently serves as a pilot school model in the nation’s American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment and the Clinton Climate Initiative. 

For information and some easy tips on how you can save energy and money in your own home visit Energy Savers and for specifics on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency visit DSIRE.

For more information please contact the Office of Communications at 301-447-5366 or Kendzierski@msmary.edu.