The MUG with co-financing for photovoltaics

27.03.2023

Thanks to participation in the Brodziec – adaptation to climate change program, photovoltaic installations with a total value of PLN 2.4 million will soon be installed on the roofs of student dormitories, Dean’s offices and Collegium Biomedicum. The investment is of economic and ecological importance – the University will pay less for electricity, and the annual emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere will decrease by 270 tons. The agreement on co-financing the project was signed on 24th of March 2023 Rector of the MUG Prof. Marcin Gruchała and Szymon Gajda, President of the Voivodeship Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (WFOŚiGW) in Gdańsk.

The special role of the university as a place of creating and transferring knowledge obliges it to take into account and apply the principles of social responsibility in all areas of activity. One of them is care for the natural environment and conducting business in such a way as to minimize the negative impact of activities carried out by the academic community and its stakeholders on the environment. The Medical University of Gdańsk received from the Voivodeship Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Gdańsk PLN 1 million in subsidies and PLN 1 million in loans for the installation of photovoltaic installations.

– We are gradually introducing a number of technical and organizational solutions aimed at caring for the natural environment, and the investment in photovoltaic panels is the next step on this path. Undoubtedly, in the context of what is happening on the energy price market, the savings associated with such an installation will be very important for the budget of our University – said Rector Prof. Marcin Gruchała. – The health-promoting aspect is also important. We contribute to reducing the amount of electricity needed to be generated in coal-fired power plants, thus improving air quality, which has a direct impact on the health of residents.

The implementation of the investment was divided into two stages. In the first, photovoltaic installations with a capacity of up to 49 kW will be installed, in the second – over 49 kW. The total power of renewable energy sources will be 449 kW. It is estimated that the annual production of electricity will amount to approx. 380 MWh. It will be used for the University’s own needs.

– The Medical University of Gdańsk is the fourth university that took part in our recruitment “Brodziec – adaptation to climate change”. Previously, co-financing was granted to: the Academy of Fine Arts, the Gdańsk University of Technology and the Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport. We are very pleased with these investments. The emission of carbon dioxide and dust into the atmosphere is reduced. They bring real benefits in the finances of Pomeranian universities. Universities have always set new directions for activities, they have been a precursor of various initiatives. It is very good news that they responded positively to our idea – explained Szymon Gajda, President of WFOŚiGW in Gdańsk.

The Brodziec – adaptation to climate change program is a pilot action of WFOŚiGW in Gdańsk. Public universities of the Pomeranian Voivodeship may participate in it. The purpose of the call for proposals is to reduce the consumption of electricity and heat, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, manage rainwater and meltwater, and improve the efficiency of water use.

photo by Paweł Sudara/MUG