University boiler system powers down for final time

On Monday 16 December the Lincoln University boiler was switched off for the final time, ending the University’s use of coal and ushering in a new era of 100% electric-powered heating.

A small group of observers met Lincoln University Engineering Coordinator Barry Fairbrass at the boilerhouse, and were welcomed inside a space filled with noise and large machinery to witness the historic shut-down.

Barry Fairbrass and Dean Waller with the main boiler

After a brief tour of the facility and an explanation of the former fossil-fuel-powered campus heating system distributed by a network of underground pipes, the group gathered in the control room, where Barry handed over to fellow boiler operator Dean Waller, who then flicked the switch to effectively end the life of the University's coal boiler system.

Dean Waller powers down the boiler for the final time

The plant will continue to cool down over the next few days, and the steam will gradually dissipate. When completely cool the boiler will be decommissioned and scrapped to prevent any further environmental pollution.

Boilerhouse operations

For just shy of 29 years Barry Fairbrass has been tending to the Lincoln University boilerhouse and its two boilers – the 5.3MW main boiler (which was powered down for the final time in November 2024) and the 2.7MW small ‘summer’ boiler.

He and colleagues Dean Waller and Rodney Fairbrass initially manned the facility 24/7, but have worked in day shifts since the system was computerised.

Their boiler-related duties typically consisted of maintenance and repair work and de-ashing the machines three times a day, seven days a week.

Steam powered water/heating system

While in operation, the University’s coal boilers burned 2,100 tonnes of coal per year.

The boilerhouse emitted over 4,200 tonnes of CO2 per year, which is equivalent to over 550 economy return flights from Ōtautahi to London.

The coal boiler has been Lincoln University’s biggest source of carbon emissions, accounting for over 50% of our total emissions per year.

Electrification era

Aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, delivering electricity-powered heating and hot water to all its campus facilities, rather than coal-powered, will enable the University to take a huge step towards achieving its carbon emission target of 2,500t CO2e by 2030.

From now on all campus hot water and heating will come from electric boilers powered by either certified renewable electricity purchased from Meridian Energy or generated from solar photovoltaic arrays located on campus.

From mid-2025, once the Lincoln University Energy Farm is operational, the University will be able to produce around 18% of its annual electricity demand.