Energy

Another offshore wind developer took a major step Tuesday toward scrapping its initial plans for an installation in waters off the coast of Martha's Vineyard.

The Healey administration and state utility companies released their formal request for proposals for more offshore wind power Wednesday, kicking off a bidding process that will unfold over the course of 2024.

State regulators have consented to a developer backing off its contracts for a 1,200-megawatt offshore wind installation, and introduced a procurement plan that weighs bidders' past failures to complete projects without outright barring them from participation.

Commonwealth Fusion Systems of Devens purchased a 12-acre development site adjacent to its manufacturing and development facility.

In its bid to win Department of Public Utilities approval to scrap energy contracts for a 1,200-megawatt offshore wind installation, Commonwealth Wind has secured the backing of a potentially influential figure: another arm of the Healey administration.

The City of Gardner received a $200,000 Community Compact Municipal Fiber Grant from the Massachusetts state government to improve communications between City departments.

Boston utility company Eversource has begun drilling 90 bore holes, each 600-700 feet deep, as part of its effort to connect 140 customers in Framingham with geothermal energy.

Westborough-based Massachusetts Broadband Institute has added Winchendon among its second round of communities to its Digital Equity Planning Program, which provides consultation to Massachusetts cities and towns to identify barriers to internet access and reduce the digital divide.

Framingham clean energy firm Ameresco completed an acquisition of a Los Alamitos, California microgrid. The system, located at a joint military forces training base, has a microgrid, solar panels, and battery energy storage. 

Multiscale Systems of Worcester has received three awards totaling $650,000 to advance its research into hybrid manufacturing.