Steam Plant

The University of North Dakota steam plant is a multi-fuel plant capable of burning coal, natural gas, and no#2 fuel oil. The steam plant has a total capacity of 410,000 lbs. of steam per hour. Steam is distributed through approximately 11.19 miles of underground piping and approximately 11.19 miles of return condensate piping. The steam is used primarily for heating, approximately 7.9 million square feet of buildings, but is also used for hot water, sterilization, dishwashing, humidification, and steam absorption air conditioning units on campus. After the steam has given up a portion of its thermal energy is cools down to water (condensate), and is pumped back to the plant for re-use. Recycling close to 90 percent of the steam condensate helps the University in reducing its water consumption.

Nineteen full time employees and one part time employee are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the steam plant. Typically there are three shift workers for each of the four shifts to operate the boilers and complete daily maintenance, the steam plant operates year round 24 hours a day through all kinds of weather conditions.

With the demand for steam for many different processes across the UND campus there is frequent need for upgrading and expansion of the plant in many ways. There have been many changes over the years of the steam plant's existence and many new faces have passed through its doors, bringing a variety of personalities and new ideas, but dedicating themselves to the same mission, which is to keep the fires burning and supply steam to the UND campus every day of the year 24 hours a day.

For more information or questions

Phone: 701-777-2591