Plymouth State University (PSU) has been awarded $4.67 million in federal grants to support key sustainability projects that will not only enhance the university’s energy infrastructure, but also better prepare students for careers in these fields.

“We are immensely grateful to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and our other congressional delegates for their support in providing this federal funding,” said PSU President Donald L. Birx. “These grants will be a gamechanger for the university as they enable us to advance our robust energy efficiency initiatives and a sustainability program that embodies PSU’s Cluster Learning Model. Ultimately, this funding will empower our students to address the critical challenges of our time.”

The sustainability projects include new solar arrays on building rooftops, such as the Savage Welcome Center & Ice Arena and the Silver Center for the Arts, and insulation, heat and energy-efficiency upgrades at the Physical Education Center. It also includes the installation of a Renewable Energy Open Lab, which will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities with the latest in sustainable energy technology. The new solar arrays are expected to generate approximately three times as much energy as the existing solar panels on the Physical Education Center.

The grant was included in the most recent congressionally directed spending (CDS) bill, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden earlier this year.