US state government awards $2.88m for renewable heating

The government of Massachusetts announced that the Baker-Polito administration has awarded five grants totalling $2,889,285 (€2,548,681) to Massachusetts businesses to fund infrastructure projects to increase the availability of low-carbon, renewable heating fuels.

The grants have been funded by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) as part of the Renewable Thermal Infrastructure Grant Program, an initiative which is focused on expanding renewable thermal technologies in Massachusetts.

“Renewable heating is critical to reducing the Commonwealth’s greenhouse gas emissions and meeting our targets under the Global Warming Solutions Act,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

“Supporting these technologies is an investment in our local economies, the sustainability of our energy future, and expanding heating options to our residents and businesses.”

Funded projects include woody biomass processing and delivery equipment, testing of modern wood heating and emission control devices to current US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards and the installation of a tank to blend eligible biofuels with conventional heating oils.

“Our administration is committed to ensuring that communities across the Commonwealth have access to clean, affordable energy,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.

“With this investment, Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in renewable energy by providing increased access to the resources needed to heat homes and businesses comfortably.”

Two of the businesses listed are receiving grants for biomass-centred purposes: Holiday Farm who will receive $1 million (€880,000), and Wagner Wood who will receive $885,000 (€781,000).

Both grants were listed with the purpose of providing each company with the finances to purchase equipment to process, handle, store and deliver dried wood chips.

“This grant from the Baker-Polito Administration will continue the expansion of renewable heating methods in Plymouth and surrounding communities,” said State Senator Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth).

“As heating costs continue to rise, finding cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions is more important than ever. I am proud that with this grant Plymouth businesses will be able to work with the Administration to meet that need in our region.