Patrick wants state to be leader in clean energy
DATELINE: BOSTON
Gov. Deval Patrick on Monday announced plans to install photovoltaic panels at 12 state facilities this year as part of a plan to help make Massachusetts a leader in clean energy technology.
Patrick, at a meeting where he urged executives from solar, wind and bioenergy companies to form their own trade group, said the $9 million dollar solar initiative represents a nearly 50 percent increase in the amount of solar power installed in Massachusetts.
The cost will be covered in part by federal Clean Renewable Energy Bonds.
The new panels will be located at Worcester and Salem state colleges; Mount Wachusett, North Shore and Springfield Technical community colleges; the Soldiers Home in Chelsea; the MWRA's Deer Island wastewater treatment plant; state prison wasterwater plants in Norfolk, Concord and Bridgewater; and at the Cedar Junction and South Middlesex state prisons.
Patrick said his clean energy strategy includes streamlining permitting, regulatory reforms and more financial incentives to support such technology.