All units are expected to be operational by April 1.

Each fuel cell unit produces 460 kilowatts of electricity using a chemical reaction with natural gas — rather than combustion — to generate power. This process dramatically reduces emissions and environmental impact. Unlike traditional utility energy, which emits smog-forming pollutants, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides (NOx), the byproducts of fuel cells are limited to water and carbon dioxide.

“Fuel cells are a major step forward in our sustainability efforts,” said Sal Filardi, vice president for facilities and capital planning at Quinnipiac. “It is a much cleaner energy source.”

Six of the 10 units will be installed on the Mount Carmel Campus, with two each at York Hill and North Haven. At the North Haven Campus, installation work has begun in front of the standardized patient parking lot.

“Once all 10 fuel cells are online across our three campuses, we’ll be generating most of our own electricity,” Filardi added. “We’ll still be connected to the utility grid for peak demand, but this system significantly increases our energy resilience and self-reliance.”

In total, the university expects to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by over 10 million pounds annually, while virtually eliminating nitrogen oxide emissions from the electricity generation process.

Quinnipiac has entered into a 10-year power purchase agreement with VFS Energy Services, a Michigan-based provider working locally in Connecticut. Under the agreement, VFS will cover all installation and maintenance costs. Quinnipiac will buy the electricity produced by the fuel cells at a fixed rate, locking in lower and more predictable energy costs for the next decade. After the 10-year term, energy costs will drop even further.

“This project does two important things: It lowers our utility costs and stabilizes them for the next decade — something that’s almost unheard of in today’s energy market,” said Filardi. “At the same time, it aligns perfectly with our strategic sustainability goals.”

The Mount Carmel Campus will also benefit from waste heat recovery, connecting the fuel cells to the central plant will allow the university to preheat boilers in the plant.

“This isn’t just about being green,” said Filardi. “It’s about smart planning and future-proofing our infrastructure. With renewable energy credits, waste heat recovery and the potential for battery storage, we’re building a system that’s efficient, cost-effective and environmentally responsible.”

Bethany Zemba, vice president for strategy and community relations, said, “The fuel cell initiative is part of a larger, long-term commitment to sustainability at Quinnipiac. The university has implemented LEED-certified building standards, with several new facilities achieving or pursuing LEED Gold or Silver certification.”

These facilities include The Grove, the new School of Business and the new SITE (Science, Innovation, Technology and Exploration) building, Zemba said. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the world's most widely used green building rating system, providing a framework for building and operating healthy, efficient and cost-saving sustainable buildings.

“We’re proud of the work we’ve done and even more excited for what’s ahead,” said Filardi. “This is about educating future leaders by showing them what responsible, forward-thinking infrastructure looks like in action.”