EENews, from EnergyWire, reported May 15 that the state of Massachusetts, through its Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, launched a program earlier in May aimed at catalyzing the development of community microgrids throughout the state. The center will provide $75,000 of funding for three to five projects that it deems attractive.
The US northeast currently leads the nation in installed microgrid capacity with 567 megawatts, according to a report by GTM Research with New York in the lead thanks largely to combined heat and power microgrids in and around New York City.
The Massachusetts center will accept applications for the program until June 23, Nelson said. At that point, the center will begin selecting projects to undergo feasibility assessments.
Travis Sheehan, senior infrastructure adviser at the Boston Planning & Development Agency, said he thinks the program’s funding will be essential to helping community microgrid projects get off the ground and attract third-party investment.
Rob Thornton, President and CEO of the International District Energy Association, said he thinks not only Boston, but the entire state of Massachusetts is a prime candidate for community microgrids.