In its latest effort to deploy clean energy projects, Massachusetts is making $50 million available to enable state entities to implement solar and electrification projects statewide.
The funding targets state sites and governments, supporting programs to help install solar power and transition from fossil-fuel based energy. Deployment will accelerate Massachusetts’ efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on energy bills.
The $50 million in available funding is spread out across three Department of Energy Resources programs:
Solar-Decarbonization Grants.
Decarbonization Implementation Grants.
Restoration Grants for Solar and Decarbonized Systems Program.
The Solar-Decarbonization Grant program will distribute $25 million to incentivize state solar deployment. State sites will be able to use funding to invest in battery energy storage technologies, electric vehicle charging stations and decarbonization efforts. The state anticipates the program will result in up to 21 megawatts (MW) of solar energy available and provide up to 525,000 MW hours of renewable energy over the next two decades.
The Decarbonization Implementation Grant program has $20 million available to advance large-scale decarbonization efforts at state sites. These decarbonization projects will integrate with onsite solar and battery energy storage systems to bolster grid sustainability and resilience. Approximately five large-scale decarbonization projects will be supported through the program.
The remaining $5 million will be awarded through the Restoration Grants for Solar and Decarbonized Systems Program. Recipients will be able to use the money to repair or replace critical components for dated solar and decarbonized systems at state facilities. Selected projects will extend the useful lifecycle of essential systems, saving energy costs and meeting resiliency and sustainability goals.
All three programs are part of the state’s Leading By Example (LBE) Program; an initiative dedicated to furthering Massachusetts’ plans to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy alternatives. LBE targets projects at the state level, working to transform government activities to reflect the state’s efforts to address current and future energy and environmental challenges.
The LBE investment is among the state’s latest efforts to stay ahead of the curve on clean energy and decarbonization. In November 2024, the governor signed “an Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity and protecting ratepayers” into law. Determined to accelerate clean energy development, the legislation paved the way for improving energy affordability, procurement and permitting processes and accessibility to clean energy solutions.
Image by Sebastian Ganso from Pixabay
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