The Baylor Energy Complex
The Baylor Energy Complex (BEC), constructed in 1962, is a district energy system owned and operated by Baylor University. The BEC generates and distributes the thermal energy that provides the heating and cooling that are essential to support academic, research and residential life across campus.
Over the last 60+ years, the BEC has undergone several expansions and updates, but it is now at the end of its useful life with limited capacity to meet Baylor’s growing demands.
Accordingly, the University is beginning the process of decommissioning the existing BEC and replacing it with a new system that will ensure University energy systems can support future generations while advancing Baylor’s vision for a sustainable and innovative campus, which is outlined in Commitment Four of the Baylor In Deeds strategic plan.
Timeline
Decommissioning the BEC and bringing a new center online will take several years, and it will be disruptive across campus. The general timeline is as follows, but it is subject to change often throughout the project.
- 2024: Baylor in Deeds strategic plan affirmed, which includes a new energy complex
- 2025: Predevelopment work with external vendor begins
- 2026: New energy complex location confirmed
- 2028: Phase one of construction begins, with at least four phases projected
- 2031: New energy complex goes online and BEC fully decommissioned
News
Baylor University and Cordia have entered into a Predevelopment Agreement (PDA) to develop a solution to modernize the University’s energy system, delivering reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable energy for the 1,000-acre campus.
During its regular February meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents took several actions that will provide the foundation for an aggressive implementation of the University’s new strategic plan – Baylor in Deeds.
Commitment IV: Address the University’s outdated energy plant, underground energy distribution network, and infrastructure to increase efficiency, improve resiliency and reliability, and to add capacity for future campus growth, while sustaining the environment through evolving technologies that reduce carbon emissions.