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.
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 In-building equipment that relies on steam—such as heat exchangers, piping, and radiators—is also outdated and inefficient, adding to the maintenance burden and limiting system performance.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 does Phase 1 include?
The Clean Energy Campus Utility Improvement Project will be implemented in several stages. Work on Phase 1 of the project will begin mid-2026 and continue through 2030.
Phase 1 includes the following key components:
- Electrified Heating and Cooling Plant (EHCP): Located beneath North Field, this new facility will provide hot and chilled water to campus buildings, replacing the current steam-based system. A new recreation field will be added to the EHCP's roof.
- Building Conversions and Electrical Upgrades: Approximately 30 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.
What's the schedule for Phase 1?
Phase 1 will be implemented in four sub-phases over a period of approximately four years. Phase 1 will be delivered using a mix of construction methods. Additional project details—including maps, graphics, detailed schedules, and building conversion updates—will be added to this website in March-April 2026.
Phase 1 sub-phases are:
- Utility relocation work for the EHCP (mid 2026 - early 2027)
- EHCP and TES construction (early 2027 - early 2029)
- Piping distribution (mid 2027 - mid 2029)
- Building conversions (mid 2028 - late 2029)
* Please note: Sub-phases overlap. All dates are projected. Schedules may change due to weather or operational needs.
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.
Additional campus buildings will be added to the system in future project phases.
Questions?
Please contact us at: cleanenergycampus@berkeley.edu