In Massachusetts a lot of energy is spent on touting the solar sector as a leading renewable energy source in ensuring the Commonwealth will meet or exceed it’s goals for sourcing our energy needs. Our renewable future is looking a lot more diverse, exactly as it should.
There is no denying we’re seeing the benefits here in MA and in other New England states. It’s good for the environment. When is the last time you heard of a solar or for that matter wind installation spewing toxins into the air, spilling chemicals into the water supply or killing off major communities of flora or fauna. It’s good for the economy: 80k jobs have been created since 2007. Most of these jobs pay well. They are interesting and provide an excellent service to the region.
For our state, for the Northeast and for the country one size does not fit all. Our energy future is stored in a variety of renewable sources that for different reasons work best for different communities. We want to buy local. We want to source our food local. Now let’s produce our energy local. Let’s look at some energy sources that represent growth sectors here in New England and particularly MA.
Wind Power Wind as an energy source in Massachusetts has grown from 3.7 MW in 2007 to approximately 46 MW in 2012. There are 25 wind installations in Massachusetts. The state’s largest wind turbine project is the Hoosac Wind Project located in Monroe/Florida. These 19 turbines will generate 28.5 megawatts of clean, renewable energy. Hoosac will power more than 10,000 homes annually. It represents a record year of wind energy installation in the Commonwealth, on track to surpass 100 megawatts of installed renewable energy. A project of this size can generate millions locally (Hoosac was scheduled at $3.8mm) and offer hundreds of jobs (Hoosac employed 140). Like other sources, Wind generates some controversy. 
While the western MA community around Berkshire and Franklin counties has generally been in favor of this project there are some at the local level concerned about the turbines supposed effects on public health and the environment. Most of these concerns it would appear go unfounded. And here are some hard facts: Hoosac will generate approximately $6.8 million in tax revenue for the towns, and lease payments to local landowners will total another $3 million. In the hands of the right community and responsible contractors there is little to not like about wind.
Here’s an interactive map of wind projects in Massachusetts
Scott Graves is passionate about helping business owners. Tune in to his show ’The No Boundaries Radio Hour’ with co-Host Dennis Mannone on the No Boundaries Radio Network. Meet him at the crossroads between strategy and innovation at scott@smgravesassociates.com or twitter @smgcreative.