Oklahoma State University teams up with Vicinity Energy to power new medical campus with sustainable energy solutions

Oklahoma State University (OSU) has partnered with Vicinity Energy to provide district energy services for its new medical campus. Vicinity, which operates one of the largest district energy systems in the United States, will supply chilled water and steam to power the campus, serving as a state-of-the-art hospital for Oklahoma veterans. 

The facility includes over 275,000 square feet of building space and will have 58 beds in a medical-surgical inpatient setting.

The medical campus will rely on district energy for essential operations such as space heating, cooling, and domestic hot water. Additionally, steam will be used for direct humidification. Through Vicinity's district energy systems, the hospital aims to reduce its carbon emissions and improve operational efficiency compared to traditional onsite energy solutions.

One of the key sustainability features of this partnership is the recycling of nearly 100% of the condensate water produced during the energy generation process. The water will be returned to Vicinity’s facility for reuse, conserving resources and improving system efficiency. This practice aligns with Vicinity's broader commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its energy services.

District energy systems, such as the one provided by Vicinity, are designed to offer higher reliability and redundancy compared to onsite equipment, which is critical for the medical campus. The system will ensure the hospital has a stable and consistent energy supply necessary for maintaining uninterrupted operations in healthcare facilities.

Dr. Johnny Stephens, president of Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, highlighted the benefits of the collaboration:

“This partnership reflects our dedication to operational excellence. By integrating Vicinity's district energy solutions, we are not only minimising our carbon footprint but also enhancing the reliability and efficiency of our medical facilities. This collaboration ensures that we provide our veterans with a safe and environmentally responsible healthcare environment."

In addition to supporting OSU’s sustainability goals, the partnership also aligns with Vicinity’s broader mission to decarbonise its operations across the USA. Vicinity has announced plans to implement electric boilers and heat recovery pumps in its Tulsa location, which will be powered by renewable energy. These changes are part of a larger strategy to offer carbon-free thermal energy through its proprietary product, eSteam.

Kevin Hagerty, CEO and president of Vicinity Energy, expressed pride in the partnership with OSU:

“At Vicinity, our priority is delivering innovative, sustainable energy solutions tailored to the unique needs of our customers. We’re proud that OSU has chosen district energy for its reliability and environmental benefits, entrusting us with the opportunity to power their state-of-the-art medical campus. This partnership not only significantly reduces OSU’s onsite carbon emissions but also positively impacts the campus and the surrounding community."