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Purdue eyes new natural gas projects

Purdue is taking money once set aside for one project and using it for others.

The university is planning to use more than $33-million to move away from coal powered energy and toward natural gas.

The money comes from what was supposed to be used to build a clean-coal boiler, but that project was canceled last year.

Vice President of Physical Facilities Bob McMains says Purdue will now focus on natural gas projects, which are more viable for the future.

The updated plans include demolishing an old coal-burning boiler and converting another coal-burning boiler to natural gas.

McMains says Purdue also will install a natural gas-fired combined heat and power unit and increase steam distribution along Jischke Drive.

The plans are part of the university’s Comprehensive Energy Master Plan.