Delahunt's office announce MA is Finalist for Federal Wind Energy Test Center

[Ian David]

by: Susan H
Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 09:11:57 AM EST

I'm a little late with this as it was issued on March 9th from his office but it certainly ties in well with what is happening in Hull as noted here and here and it makes mention of other South of Boston communities that are exploring the option of wind energy. We've noted the interest around here as well.

What's exciting is that our region is being federally recognized as being a leader in this development of alternative green energy.

More on the flip
Susan H :: Delahunt's office announce MA is Finalist for Federal Wind Energy Test Center
Look a little further and one sees possibilities for jobs, and an increase in tourism as the rest of the country comes here to see for themselves the impact on communities wind power is having as it relates to impact on the environment,and quality of life.

From the press release:

A total of six applications were submitted to the Energy Department from Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts and Ohio. The applications were scored by a technical panel comprised of DOE experts and wind industry representatives. Proposals from Texas and Massachusetts were chosen as finalists. In Massachusetts, state officials identified sites in the Boston area and New Bedford as the best candidates for this new research and development facility. The finalists will be chosen by the summer and be awarded a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The federal government will provide the new test center with $2 million in capital equipment in addition to technical assistance. The facility will test wind blades up to 230 feet in length and is estimated to cost $9-$12 million to construct.

The testing facility is one component of an overall strategy developed by the Commonwealth, with help from the University of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, to boost the wind energy industry in Massachusetts and to also compete in the development of deepwater offshore wind energy systems. The United Kingdom and Germany have made strides in developing this highly competitive sector of the renewable energy industry and are already building test facilities and have approved a number of larger scale projects.

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Delahunt has touted Massachusetts as a regional center for economic development in the field of renewable energy. He has outlined proposals for ocean energy research and development zones to boost wind, tidal and wave energy development. He has advocated several local and national initiatives to boost use of renewable or "clean" fuels, as well as a number of community based wind energy projects. He has noted the widespread interest in towns such as Plymouth, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Barnstable, Eastham, Norwell, and Nantucket.

Delahunt will also be seeking federal funding for a new offshore wind farm being proposed off the coast of Hull. The Hull project has widespread community involvement and support and is expected to be under construction next year. Town officials estimate that it will eventually provide affordably priced electricity to Hull residents and will make the community one of the first in the nation to become "energy independent" through the use of renewable energy.

Very exciting times to live on the South Shore and kudos to Congressman Delahunt for working hard to obtain Finalist status for MA.