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Massachusetts officials broke ground on a $40 million Wind Technology Testing Center in Charlestown Tuesday with the hopes that the research facility will spur private investment in wind energy.
The U.S. Department of Energy-sponsored project will allow researchers and businesses to test blades for wind turbines up to 90 meters long, the only such facility in the United States. The DOE selected Massachusetts to host the facility in 2007 with $2 million in initial funding, and in May the project garnered $25 million in stimulus grants to provide most of the project financing. Massachusetts’ Renewable Energy Trust will provide the balance of the financing.
“The clean energy sector continues to grow in Massachusetts, and this wind technology testing center will be a tremendous boost,” said Gov. Deval Patrick in a statement. “Testing the next generation of wind turbines here will make Massachusetts a hub for the research and development of the fastest-growing energy source in the world.” Patrick cancelled an appearance at the groundbreaking because of illness.
State officials had pushed the DOE to consider Massachusetts for a grant to add wind turbine drivetrain testing capabilities, but last week the DOE awarded the grant to the Charleston Naval Complex in Charleston, S.C.
The wind blade testing center, located at the Boston Autoport, is expected to be completed by the end of next year.
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