Improving Energy Infrastructure at UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is undertaking a major infrastructure initiative to modernize and improve the reliability of the campus's aging energy systems. Approved by the University of California Board of Regents in July 2025, the Clean Energy Campus Utility Improvement Project will modernize UC Berkeley’s energy infrastructure by replacing its aged steam system with efficient, all-electric heating and cooling systems..
Construction of Phase 1 begins in mid-2026 and will continue through 2030.
Why This Project Is Needed
The university’s current energy infrastructure—based on a central cogeneration plant and an extensive steam distribution system—is reaching the end of its useful life. Originally built decades ago, the system was not designed to support the demands of today's modern, research-intensive university. The central plant itself is aging and increasingly unreliable, while the underground steam lines that deliver thermal energy to campus buildings have deteriorated over time. These components have required frequent and costly emergency repairs, often disrupting campus operations. In-building equipment that relies on steam—such as heat exchangers, piping, and radiators—is also outdated and inefficient, adding to the maintenance burden and limiting system performance. The Clean Energy Campus project allows the university to address these critical infrastructure issues comprehensively by replacing the failing steam-based system with modern, all-electric heating and cooling systems that are more reliable, easier to maintain, and better suited to meet the evolving needs of the campus.
What Phase 1 Includes
Phase 1 of the project includes the following key components:
- A New Electrified Heating and Cooling Plant (EHCP): Located beneath North Field, the new plant will provide hot and chilled water to campus buildings, replacing the current steam-based system.
- Building Conversions and Electrical Upgrades: Approximately 32 of the most energy-intensive campus buildings will be connected to the EHCP and converted to use water-based heating and cooling systems. Campus electrical infrastructure will be upgraded to support the increased demand.
- Thermal Energy Storage: A two-million-gallon tank next to the EHCP will improve system performance and provide added resilience.
- Underground Thermal Distribution System: Heated and chilled water will be distributed through new underground piping networks to the converted buildings.
- Landscape and Pathway Improvements: Construction-related disruptions will be restored with updated and more accessible landscaping and pathways.
Long-Term Impact
Once complete, Phase 1 will reduce UC Berkeley's total campus carbon emissions by approximately 60%—primarily by converting the largest energy users to all-electric systems. The project also significantly reduces future maintenance needs by removing deteriorating steam infrastructure and replacing outdated in-building equipment.
What's Next
Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2026. The project will be implemented in phases and delivered using a mix of construction methods. Additional project details—including maps, graphics, construction timelines, and building-by-building updates—will be added to this website in the coming months.
Questions?
Please contact us at: cleanenergycampus@berkeley.edu