Michigan State University Combined Heat and Power

In East Lansing, Michigan, the construction of a new 15‑megawatt combined heat and power (CHP) unit at Michigan State University’s T.B. Simon Power Plant will expand on-campus electric generation and provide critical steam capacity while delivering utility services to the future West Regional Chilled Water Plant.

McCarthy is delivering the CHP scope as part of a broader campus utilities program that strengthens reliability, resiliency and operational efficiency for the campus' most critical systems and future growth projections. The new energy center will feature a natural gas combustion turbine and a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) that captures and converts exhaust heat into steam to feed an offsite steam turbine and support campus heating requirements, enhancing efficient campus energy use while reducing waste and advancing MSU's long-term sustainability goals.

McCarthy's industrial team is self-performing structural steel erection, major equipment setting, and process piping installation and testing, while managing electrical, controls, commissioning and other specialized trade partners on this complex, live-campus site. By focusing on exceptional safety, quality and control, the project team aims to achieve uninterrupted service and long-term value for students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding East Lansing community.