Snowbird
Snowbird

Powering A More Sustainable Future At Snowbird

Overview

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Power Need

Snowbird wanted to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and support long-term sustainability at a resort that depends heavily on energy for lifts, lodging, guest spaces and day-to-day mountain operations. Resort leadership viewed the investment as part of a broader commitment to protect the mountain for future generations.

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Solution

In 2021, Snowbird opened Snowbird Power Systems, a custom-designed 5.3 MW cogeneration facility developed with Wheeler Machinery. The system includes two Cat® G3520H gas generator sets, one Cat G3512H gas generator set and Cat switchgear, along with boilers, heat exchangers, pumps, control valves and electronic controls.

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Results

The new plant helps Snowbird supply 60 to 90% of its winter energy needs and up to 100% in summer, while cutting the resort’s carbon dioxide emissions in half. By recovering waste heat for buildings and water, the system also improves overall efficiency and reduces reliance on separate energy sources.

Summary

Snowbird partnered with Wheeler Machinery to replace its legacy system with Snowbird Power Systems, a 5.3 MW cogeneration facility powered by Cat gas generator sets and Cat switchgear, delivering electricity for lifts, lodging and guest facilities while capturing waste heat for buildings and hot water, improving efficiency, reducing emissions and giving Snowbird greater control over how energy is produced and used year-round.

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summary

Key Statistics

How does Snowbird Power Systems support this ski resort?

5.3 MW
Distributed energy facility

60-90%
Of winter energy supplied;
up to 100% in summer

62,000
Dekatherms of natural gas saved annually

Actual results may vary based on conditions and other factors.

The Impact

The system gives Snowbird greater control over its energy use while supporting reliable, year-round resort operations. Output adjusts automatically to seasonal demand, helping maintain efficiency across both peak winter conditions and lighter summer loads without compromising guest experience.

Snowbird
Snowbird

Quote

“This new, cutting-edge system not only enhances the safety and experience of our guests but also enables us to become more efficient with how we use energy at Snowbird.”

Dave Fields
President and General Manager
Snowbird

Snowbird
Snowbird

 

Download the Power Profile

 

What Cat® products help power Snowbird’s ski resort operations?

  • Configuration
    IP4X
    IP4X
    Operating Temperature
    35 °C / 40 °C @ 1 hr, option for 0…50 °C (32…122 °F)
    35 °C / 40 °C @ 1 hr, option for 0…50 °C (32…122 °F)
    Standard Widths
    600 mm for ABB Emax2 E2 1600 - 2500A. 750 mm for ABB Emax2 E4 3200 - 4000A. 1200 mm for ABB Emax2 E6 4000 - 6300A.
    600 mm for ABB Emax2 E2 1600 - 2500A. 750 mm for ABB Emax2 E4 3200 - 4000A. 1200 mm for ABB Emax2 E6 4000 - 6300A.

    Cat Switchgear

    Cat Paralleling Switchgear is the perfect complement for the control and distribution of your emergency power. Modular and Customizable, our gen switchgear can be designed with protection and control architecture.

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  • Gas Standby Rating
    750 ekW @ 0.8pf
    750 ekW @ 0.8pf
    Fuel Type
    Natural Gas, Hydrogen Blend (up to 5%)
    Natural Gas, Hydrogen Blend (up to 5%)
    Emissions/Fuel Strategy
    U.S. EPA Certified for Non-Emergency Stationary Genset
    U.S. EPA Certified for Non-Emergency Stationary Genset

    G3512 with FAST RESPONSE

    Caterpillar is leading the power generation marketplace with Fast Response generator sets engineered to deliver unmatched performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

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  • Continuous Rating
    2519 / 2500 ekW @ 1.0pf
    2519 / 2500 ekW @ 1.0pf
    Fuel Type
    Natural Gas, Hydrogen Blend (up to 25%)
    Natural Gas, Hydrogen Blend (up to 25%)
    Maximum Electrical Efficiency
    45.30%
    45.30%

    G3520H

    From natural gas to biogas, coal mine gases, or hydrogen fuel blends to support combined heat and power (CHP), emergency power, and local grid support applications, Caterpillar has a wide range of reliable gas power solutions.

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Resources to Help You Succeed

FAQs

A cogeneration system allows a resort to generate electricity on site while also recovering waste heat for building heat and hot water. For Snowbird, that means better overall efficiency and less wasted energy.

The facility uses two Cat G3520H gas generator sets, one Cat G3512H gas generator set and Cat switchgear as part of the integrated system.

Snowbird Power Systems can supply 60 to 90% of the resort’s winter energy requirements and up to 100% of summer energy needs.

The plant cuts Snowbird’s carbon dioxide emissions in half and saves 62,000 dekatherms of natural gas each year by generating power on site and reusing waste heat.