Power Generation Strategies for Converting Energy-Intensive Campuses of UK Higher Education Institutions to Low-Emission Facilities: A Case-Study-Based Analysis

Two-thirds of UK higher education institutions operate as energy-intensive buildings and have failed to achieve the 2020 goal of reducing emissions by 43% from 2005 levels, as pledged in 2005. Converting existing buildings into low-emission ones is challenging, and setting achievable targets with sustainable design strategies is crucial. A case study was conducted on the University of Dundee’s dental clinic, analysing the economic viability of a hybrid microgrid with an on-site solar photovoltaic, natural-gas-fuelled combined heat and power generator, and the national grid. Three design configurations were analysed: Grid + CHP, Grid + PV, and Grid + PV + CHP. The results showed that the Grid + PV + CHP system has the lowest levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) and is over 75% more cost-effective and shows a minimum of 7.5% reduction in emissions. This configuration has a simple payback period of 2.9 years, a discounted payback period of 2.6 years, a return on investment of 30.1%, and an internal rate of return of 34.4%.