NCSA leadership included the estimated cost of 100% clean energy for the next supercomputer project in their proposal to NSF this month.  The budgetary number is based on pricing estimates for purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).  Based on current market estimates, and subject to availability and future market conditions, it is estimated that the total five year cost for RECs for a 3MW average load would be approximately $65K.

If/when the NSF grant is approved, F&S Utilities & Energy Services will be able to facilitate the purchase of the RECs, through the grant funding, and NCSA will then be able to claim the use of green power.