Steam Plant

Constructed in 2003/2004, the Grimes Way Steam Plant was designed and built to replace the existing coal fired Power Plant on College Avenue that has been in continuous service since 1936. Seventeen skilled and dedicated employees “keep the wheels turning” on a round the clock schedule through weekends and holidays, three hundred and sixty five days per year.
The decision to change fuels from coal to natural gas and diesel as the back up fuel, demonstrated the willingness and dedication by Washington State University to improve the efficient use of its resources while making a conscience effort to reduce air emissions and provide a safer work environment for the employees. In addition, the new facility is expected to reduce its water consumption demand of water consumption by approximately fifty percent resulting in a reduction to the strain on the depleting Palouse aquifer. The end result will be a “leaner, meaner, and cleaner” Steam Plant that has incorporated the latest technology and will provide the campus with a safe and reliable source of steam for many years to come.
Incorporated into the new facility, are three engine generators providing critical back up power supply to Life Safety, Information Systems, and Station Power loads during power outage events. The selection of this equipment was carefully considered by the Energy Division and Capital Planning & Development during the engineering phase of the project. This foresight and well thought out approach will result in the ability to reduce electrical “peaks” and directly contribute to the reduction in future electrical costs for the University. This further demonstrates Washington Sate University's commitment to being good stewards of our state resources and friends of the environment.
 

Steam Plant Manager, Supervisors, and Leads Staff: