Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs for Massachusetts Ian Bowles has announced grants supporting nine new wind energy projects awarded by the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust (MRET) through the new Commonwealth Community-Scale Wind initiative.
The governing board of the MRET approved the grants, which total more than $2.2 million. Project funding included design and construction grants for three new wind projects, which total more than 4 MW in capacity and six feasibility studies for wind energy that would total more than 3 MW in capacity, if built.
The nine grants go to public projects, educational institutions, a farm and a shopping center. Funds for MRET come from renewable energy charges on electric bills, which generate roughly $25 million a year to support renewable energy installations and companies.
The entitites receiving design and construction grants are the town of Hanover, for its wastewater treatment plant; the Lynn Water and Sewer Commission; and the Massachusetts Department of Correction for North Central Correction Institution-Gardner.
Awards for the six feasibility studies go to Allen Farm, Martha's Vineyard; Cape Cod Academy, Osterville; Centerville-Osterville-Marston Mills Fire District; Colony Place, Plymouth; Falmouth Academy, Falmouth; and Up-Island Regional School District, Chilmark, Aquinnah and West Tisbury.
SOURCE: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
