Briefing: Solar Power Installations
The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the Department of Environmental Protections (MassDEP) recently announced plans to install four megawatts (MW) of solar power at a dozen water and wastewater treatment plants across the state. The new installations are expected to reduce energy bills and the impact of greenhouse gases, while creating jobs and growing the state’s solar industry.
Who’s paying for this?
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Massachusetts $185 million in federal stimulus dollars to finance 127 water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act requires 20 percent of federal stimulus funds to be used for “green infrastructure” improvements at water and wastewater treatment plants. Currently, those facilities are responsible for almost one-third of energy use by Massachusetts cities and towns.
Where does Massachusetts rank?
The Bay State is the first in the country to get EPA approval to use State Revolving Fund (SRF) money for renewable energy activities. President Obama even used Massachusetts’ Energy Management Pilot as the model for the 20 percent green infrastructure requirements.
What are the expected gains?
DOER projects that the dozen solar power installations will cut the energy use at those water and wastewater facilities by approximately 4.5 million kilowatt hours annually. That projection is equal to the amount of energy needed to power 600 households a year.
How is Central Massachusetts affected?
Five of the 12 facilities are located in Central Massachusetts. They are: the Howe Street Water Treatment Facility, Ashland; the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Carroll Water Treatment Plant, Marlborough; the Townsend Water System; the Upper Blackstone Wastewater Pollution Abatement District Regional Wastewater Plant, Blackstone and Millbury; and the Worcester Water Filtration Plant, Holden.
How will this help the economy?
A recent survey of 98 solar PV manufacturers, integrators and installers found that they had nearly doubled their employment from 2007 to 2008 (1,086 to 2,075). They also plan to add another 960 employees in 2009. Eighty percent of the surveyed firms added employees in 2008 and all but 11 of them have plans to expand their workforce this year.
Click here to read more about the solar power installations.
Click here to learn more about the Department of Energy Resources.
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