Thursday, December 18, 2008

Mass. awards $3.2M for alternative energy, $17M for solar

By Mass High Tech staff

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The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust has announced nine project recipients of $3.2 million in grants to support clean energy throughout the commonwealth. At the same time, the governing board of the agency also authorized the second $17 million funding block for the Commonwealth Solar program, originally launched in January by Gov. Deval Patrick.

The projects include the design and construction of wind turbines for Berkshire East Ski Resort, Aquacultural Research Corp. of Dennis, the MBTA in Kingston and Upper Cape Regional High School in Bourne; fuel cells for Shaw’s/Star Market in Chestnut Hill and Whole Foods in Dedham; more hydro capacity at L.P. Athol Corp. in Athol and Southworth Co. in Turners Falls; and a biogas-fueled heat/power system, generated from anaerobic digestion, for the city of Pittsfield’s wastewater-treatment plant.

The alternative energy grants are funded by a renewable energy charge on electric bills, which the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs said brings in about $25 million per year for clean energy company and installation support.

At the beginning of 2008, Gov. Deval Patrick formed the Commonwealth Solar program, which ensured a total of $68 million through 2011 dedicated to solar installation rebates. Through its first $17 million funding in January, the program has offered rebates to 421 businesses, organizations and homeowners, which would lead to 4.6 megawatts of renewable energy capacity, the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust reports.

The Commonwealth Solar program is funded by the Trust and by the Department of Energy Resources’ Alternative Compliance Payment fund.