Three teams have responded to the Ohio State University’s Request for Proposals for the Comprehensive Energy Management Project.

The bids are now being evaluated by the university, with input from the three advisory groups composed of students, faculty and staff.

Each team has committed to meet the university’s goal of a 25 percent improvement in energy efficiency within 10 years, meet the high performance standards for energy operations, and provide at least US$150 million in support for internships, scholarships, research and other academic collaboration opportunities. In addition, each team has proposed a significant upfront payment that the university would devote to its academic mission.

The bidders on the project are all leading experts on energy use and sustainability who have demonstrated expertise, capabilities and quality of proposals to meet our needs. They are:

• Brookfield Asset Management and Enwave District Energy
• ENGIE North America and Axium Infrastructure
• Macquarie Corporate Holdings and Veolia Energy Operating Services

The project encompasses a contemplated 50-year concession and lease consisting of four major components:

• The operation and maintenance of the utility system
• Procurement of the energy supply for Ohio State's primary campus
• Implementation to achieve energy savings goals for the Columbus Campus, which could include for example energy conservation measures (ECM)
• The development of an affinity relationship with Ohio State and its stakeholders

The utility system is composed by: electric supply management and distribution system, chilled water system, steam and condensate system, natural gas supply management and distribution system and geothermal system.