New York College Turns to Small Hydro to Advance Carbon Neutrality Goal

Poughkeepsie, NY – Vassar College announced an agreement with Gravity Renewables, an owner and operator of renewable energy projects across the country, to receive 10% of its electricity needs from a local, small hydropower project. The agreement represents significant step in the College’s efforts to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality. Vassar also announced a solar project with BQ Energy.

“Vassar College is committed to reducing its carbon footprint as one of the ways to address the challenge of climate change threatening our planet. These two renewable energy projects contribute to our goal of reaching carbon neutrality as quickly as possible, while also supporting the renewable energy sector, which will need to be part of the global solution to climate change,” said President Catharine Bond Hill.

“Vassar College’s investment in clean, dependable hydro energy is great news for the college, the environment and the local economy,” said Ted Rose, CEO of Gravity Renewables. “This project’s impact goes beyond the climate change benefits. Vassar is supporting one of New York’s historic economic drivers-each small hydro facility employs local operators, pays taxes, and supports the local economy.”

Vassar will gain access to the electricity produced by the Groveville Hydro Facility, which is owned and operated by leading renewable energy company Enel Green Power North America, which has 90 MW of renewable energy in the state of New York and more than 2,000 MW of installed capacity in the US and Canada.

“We applaud and support steps taken by Vassar College to employ renewable energy, and we are pleased to recognize the example they set in utilizing locally produced distributed generation,” said James P. Laurito, president and chief executive officer of Central Hudson. “As the current owner of three hydroelectric stations and a former owner of the Groveville plant, we understand the importance of maintaining local and historic renewable generating facilities, and we are certainly pleased that the electricity produced will be utilized by one of the region’s premier educational centers.”

– Read the full release from Vassar College here.

About Gravity Renewables

Gravity Renewables is a leading national owner, operator and developer of small hydroelectric power plants. Small hydropower provides predictable, reliable, affordable clean energy that’s locally produced. By making a long-term commitment to these neighborhood facilities, Gravity restores and conserves important historical sites, employs local operators and promotes educational and recreational opportunities in the communities it serves. Gravity currently has 34 MW of hydroelectric projects operating and under development across the country. For more information please visit www.gravityrenewables.com or contact us at 303.440.3378. Follow Gravity Renewables on Twitter or Facebook.