Under a new law passed by Gov. Charlie Baker, Massachusetts will procure more of its power from renewable sources than ever before.
Baker, a Republican, said, "Through solicitation and procurement of long-term contracts for hydro and wind power, Massachusetts and New England can remain a leader in clean and renewable energy production."
He said the work is just starting.
He added, "The real heavy lifting on this starts now. "They've given us a framework to work with, but now we actually have to do something with it."
Power consumption is a major issue in Massachusetts, which has rising energy costs and cold winters and will retire several coal and nuclear power plants in the coming years. To avoid further cost increase, the state will have to replace that power. Due to environmental concerns, Massachusetts approved a state law several years ago that asks the state to get a growing percentage of its power from renewable sources.
Under the new law, Massachusetts will have to solicit long-term contracts lasting 15 or 20 years to purchase 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind power and another 1,200 megawatts of hydropower or other renewable resources, like land-based wind or solar.
Baker, a Republican, said, "Through solicitation and procurement of long-term contracts for hydro and wind power, Massachusetts and New England can remain a leader in clean and renewable energy production."
He said the work is just starting.
He added, "The real heavy lifting on this starts now. "They've given us a framework to work with, but now we actually have to do something with it."
Power consumption is a major issue in Massachusetts, which has rising energy costs and cold winters and will retire several coal and nuclear power plants in the coming years. To avoid further cost increase, the state will have to replace that power. Due to environmental concerns, Massachusetts approved a state law several years ago that asks the state to get a growing percentage of its power from renewable sources.
Under the new law, Massachusetts will have to solicit long-term contracts lasting 15 or 20 years to purchase 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind power and another 1,200 megawatts of hydropower or other renewable resources, like land-based wind or solar.