BlueWave has announced five new projects in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that incorporate the company’s dual-use solar design and operate under the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program. The projects, which BlueWave owns and operates, are located in Palmer, Haverhill, Dighton and Douglas and add 19.8 MWdirect current of generation and 29.7 MWh of storage for the electricity grid.
“As a Boston-based company and certified B Corp, serving our surrounding communities is in our DNA and continues to be the driving force behind the solar development decisions we make,” said Trevor Hardy, CEO and co-founder of BlueWave . “The amount of energy generated by these projects is meaningful and will ensure greater access to community solar projects and farmers’ continued success with their land.”
With the statewide goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 in motion, renewable energy, including BlueWave’s solar and solar + storage projects, will play a critical role in helping the Commonwealth and local communities to achieve net-zero emissions.
“We are excited to see new and innovative clean energy projects being built across Massachusetts. Agrivoltaic projects like these are a creative way to balance our clean energy goals with protecting our agricultural traditions. Congratulations to BlueWave for launching this initiative and to Dighton, Douglas, Haverhill and Palmer for helping to fight climate change and lower energy costs for their residents,” said Governor Maura Healey.
BlueWave worked directly with farmers to implement innovative dual-use practices that deliver real benefits to all parties affected by the projects, including landowners, farmers and surrounding community members. A major focus for BlueWave was to ensure that farmers could continue to use their land to the fullest. Each of the solar projects is uniquely designed to enable uninterrupted agricultural activities under the solar panels, with sites offering a diverse selection of crops and pollinator-friendly livestock grazing activities.
“Agrivoltaic energy provides a path for a clean, just energy transition, delivering renewable energy in a way that improves agricultural operations, creates new opportunities for farmers and increases the resilience of rural communities,” said Nathan L’Etoile of the American Farmland Trust. AFT). “AFT is proud to partner with a select group of energy developers, including BlueWave, who are investing in this solution, supporting farmers and landowners, and keeping Massachusetts’ precious farmland in production.”
Lowell General Hospital has also joined forces with BlueWave for the portfolio, serving as an anchor customer for two project locations in Palmer and Haverhill. Lowell General Hospital’s participation as a lead customer will enable low-income residents to participate in clean energy opportunities – specifically by removing a financial barrier to supporting clean energy generation in the state and at its turn to reduce energy bills. As a lead customer, Lowell General Hospital will receive 50% of the project’s energy capacity in the form of community solar credits, which can be applied to offset operating costs and invest in sustainability projects and ensure the solar farm remains operational for the entire period. intended lifespan.
“Since 1891, when renewable hydropower helped Lowell grow into the advanced city it is today, Lowell General Hospital has served Greater Lowell and surrounding communities with the mission of empowering people to live their best lives,” said Kevin Foley, director of the factory. operations and property at Lowell General Hospital. “As a lead customer of a community solar project in partnership with BlueWave, we are able to support our community while reducing costs by utilizing cutting-edge sustainable solar technology both on and off our campuses.
The projects within the new portfolio are all expected to be operational by the end of 2024.
News item from BlueWave
