Massachusetts launches Clean Energy Results program to install solar on landfills

Massachusetts launches Clean Energy Results program to install solar on landfills Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patricks’ administration strengthened its resolve to add more renewables into the state’s energy mix when it recently launched the Clean Energy Results Program.

Under the program the state would add in 50 more megawatts of photovoltaics at landfills across the state and would add in 50 more megawatts of bio-based electric generation.

The 50 megawatts of solar generation would help the state reach its goal of 400 installed megawatts of solar by 2020.

Under the program, being led by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), the state plans to make it easier to site solar projects—as well as wind projects—at capped landfill sites.

“MassDEP is interested in making closed landfills productive again,” Said MassDEP spokesperson Edmund Coletta. “The MassDEP, DOER Clean Energy Results Program will continue and expand MassDEP’s efforts to promote both solar and wind on closed landfill sites.”

It will also look at other technologies to produce power from closed landfills.

“There may be options for developing other types of renewable energy at these sites. Agency staff would be available to help communities work through the issues that such development might present, and to help find ways for development to occur safely,” Coletta said.

There are about 500 such sites that could be developed as renewable energy sites, according to The Enterprise.

Massachusetts towns and municipalities were already interested in such a program, according to Coletta.

“Municipalities have already expressed a lot of interest in the combined support from MassDEP and DOER that will be provided through this program,” he said.

The environmental agency has already sponsored two workshops for municipalities interested in developing renewable energy at their closed landfills and has already issued 11 post-closure use permits for PV and wind projects at closed landfills.

“The Clean Energy Results Program will continue these efforts, and also provide more extensive outreach targeted to local boards and commissions to help them understand the regulatory process for these projects and the options for addressing environmental and public health issues that can be associated with siting these technologies,” Coletta said.

The program also encourages use of other renewable energy projects, including in-line conduit hydro and combined heat and power systems.

Image courtesy of National Solar Tour.