Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering to Dedicate Solar Tower

The University of San Diego Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering will dedicate a freestanding renewable energy tower called EnergiPlant® on Wednesday, July 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The ceremony takes place in the patio between the Belanich Engineering Center and Guadalupe Hall. 

"In partnership with Primo Energy, we're excited to dedicate this tower, with one more coming soon, that aligns with USD's commitment to innovative projects providing social and sustainable value for our community," said USD Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering Dean Chell Roberts.

"With several USD engineers on our team, I am very happy for the collaboration with USD, and with the already hands-on experience these engineers have, they have made immediate contributions to the company," said Ned McMahon, CEO and Founder of Primo Energy.

The EnergiPlant® is a freestanding nanogrid that combines wind, solar and batteries to power security systems, WiFi, lighting and consumer device charging. The EnergiPlant does not require any electrical connection to the power grid and offers fun bench seating to the campus community for their group activities while they charge their phones, tablets and computers.

These completely self-sufficient energy platforms will also be used in the coming 5G infrastructure as many more cell sites will be required, and by default, some will be in areas where no power is available, even in urban environments.

About the University of San Diego

Strengthened by the Catholic intellectual tradition, we confront humanity’s challenges by fostering peace, working for justice and leading with love. With more than 8,000 students from 75 countries and 44 states, USD is among the Top 20 Best Private Schools for Making an Impact according to The Princeton Review. USD’s eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Knauss School of Business, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. In 2021, USD was named a “Laudato Si’ University” by the Vatican with a seven-year commitment to address humanity’s urgent challenges by working together to take care of our common home.