Renewable Energy

Alternative Fuels

Learn about alternative fuels including programs, initiatives and installations available in Massachusetts to include biofuels and electronic vehicles.

Solar

Solar power is when sunlight is converted directly into electricity by using photovoltaic (PV) cells. PV cells, which are made with semiconductor materials, make electricity with no moving parts, noise, or pollution. See where solar power is being used in the Commonwealth.

Wind

Wind energy is fueled by an infinitely renewable resource - moving air. It can be generated locally and does not release any carbon dioxide or other emissions. It also contributes to our energy security and creates economic development.

Fuel Cells

Originally developed in the late 19th century, fuel cells are electro-chemical devices (similar to batteries) that use a continuous supply of hydrogen to produce electricity. Today's fuel cells typically include a "reformer" which extracts hydrogen from other fuels such as natural gas, landfill gas, or gasoline.

Biomass

Biomass is a class of renewable fuels that includes woody and herbaceous crops and residues, solid waste, sewage, and liquid fuels (such as alcohol and biodiesel) derived from agricultural products. Learn more about the types of biomass here.

Landfill Gas Recovery

Learn about how the Commonealth is evaluating the potential for C02 mitigation through the capture of and energy recovery of methane gas from landfills.

Geothermal

Geothermal, or Ground Source Heat Pumps can provide heating and cooling for homes and businesses and are a growing technology in New England.

District Energy

District Energy systems provide thermal energy (heating and cooling) to communities through district energy pipes from a central plant.

Streamlined Permitting

Expanding renewable energy projects and energy conservation actions are a high priority for the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MassDEP is taking a number of important actions to advance the Commonwealth's clean energy policy goals.

Renewable Energy Funding and Incentives

Visit the MA Renewable Trust's Website to find out about incentives for renewables for all customers sectors, includes the state's Commonwealth Solar Program.

Renewable Portfolio Standard

First in the nation program requiring that a certain percentage of the state's electricity comes from renewable energy.

Green Communities

Assistance for Business

This web resource has been created to assist Commonwealth businesses with a one-stop-shop resource for energy users. To start, the Department of Energy Resources recommends you leverage all existing utility and state programs and integrate them into a comprehensive organization-wide energy plan.

Renewable and Solar Energy Associations

Links to organizations working to use solar renewable energy.