MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, a flagship 437-bed Level II adult trauma center in Tacoma, Washington, faced immense energy management pressures. As one of the most energy-intensive commercial buildings, its expansive campus – including the 250,000-square-foot Milgard Pavilion and a 200,000-square-foot emergency department addition – consumed significantly more energy due to continuous 24/7 operations and high-demand medical equipment. With utility costs often exceeding 50% of annual maintenance budgets and a growing commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions amidst strained healthcare finances, the hospital needed a solution to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and advance sustainability.

Vergent implemented an advanced 2 MW combined cycle onsite generation system for MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital. This highly efficient solution utilizes two Capstone C1000S microturbines coupled with a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) to capture and reuse waste heat. The entire system is managed by a Vergent controller, ensuring optimal performance, automation, and remote service capabilities.

This onsite generation system significantly reduces MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital’s reliance on grid power, leading to substantial utility cost savings and enhanced energy resilience crucial for continuous hospital operations. The combined cycle approach maximizes efficiency, reducing the hospital’s carbon footprint and contributing to its ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction and net-zero targets. The automated control system ensures consistent, reliable power, freeing up budget for patient care and directly supporting the hospital’s mission to provide exceptional healthcare while advancing its sustainability goals.