Towards 100% renewable energy resources
The Hashemite University is committed to driving sustainable energy initiatives and reducing its environmental impact, positioning itself as a national research and development hub for cutting-edge innovations in the field of renewable energy. As part of our comprehensive approach to becoming more energy self-sufficient and achieving increased carbon savings, we are actively collaborating with businesses, graduates, and academics to explore and develop smart energy solutions. These endeavors encompass a wide array of technologies, updated approaches to demand-side management, and behavioral interventions aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. Our vision extends beyond just academic excellence; we are resolute in our pursuit of 100% energy independence. To materialize this vision, Hashemite University has successfully implemented 5 MW photovoltaic (PV) systems on campus, generating approximately 8.5 GWh of renewable energy annually. The integration of these PV systems has had a significant impact on our carbon footprint, leading to a reduction of over 4455 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Additionally, it has significantly diminished our reliance on imported, transferred, refined, and burned oil, saving more than 25275 barrels of oil every year.
Despite our progress, we recognize that growth and expansion bring new challenges. With the completion and full equipping of three new buildings in 2019, the university experienced a surge in energy demand, around 15% higher than before. To address this surge and fortify our commitment to energy efficiency, we have undertaken strategic upgrades to our existing buildings.
- Improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings, minimizing energy wastage and optimizing consumption by 2023.
- Increasing the energy efficacy in the campus by having Smart Energy Meter and Management System (AMI). Smart meter system based IoT technology for all the HU building is our new project. In 2021, we issued the project tender and started the implantation of it which will be completed by 2023. This project aims to remotely monitor and control building energy consumption and improve energy efficiency from heating and air conditioning, to lighting and security systems.
- Improving the renewable energy generation by 2024 (SCADA system for the PV projects in HU): The systems shall include monitoring and control systems to measures and records systems performance parameters. In 2021, we issued a new tender to upgrade the current PV project and developed a SCADA system. In the project, SCADA system will perform all data acquisition, monitoring and control functions of the PV system. In order to improve the energy efficiency, all necessary information concerning process behavior, instrument and integrity controller, sequential control and alarm function shall be immediately available at the operation consoles.
Through these collective efforts and innovations, Hashemite University is on a steadfast trajectory towards sustainability and a greener future. As evidenced by our electricity bill, we proudly showcase a remarkable achievement of relying solely on energy generated by our PV systems, with zero reliance on imported energy from the utility grid. This noteworthy accomplishment stands as a testament to our commitment to renewable energy sources and our progress towards achieving complete energy independence. By harnessing the power of our PV systems, we have taken significant strides towards a greener and more sustainable future for Hashemite University.
Renewable energy report: 2022/2023
Thank you for being a part of our vision and joining us on this transformative journey. Together, we can shape a brighter and more sustainable future for all.