Conservation is always the first and most important step in addressing energy use, followed by a focus on making sure you’re using power as efficiently as possible. Many people tend to jump right in at the third part of the “Conservation, then Efficiency, then Renewables” equation, rather than taking those crucial (although often less exciting and visible) first steps.
However, generating renewable energy is a big part of weaning ourselves from fossil fuels, and members of North Quabbin Energy are involved in various projects, on individual, company, and municipal levels, to increase our regional capacity for generating power from solar, water, wind, and other renewable sources. The links below include some area initiatives and companies that we’re aware of that work in these areas (we aren’t necessarily recommending anyone’s work–just listing them for informational purposes).
- If you’re considering adding renewable energy capacity to your own home or business, DSIRE is the place to check for various incentives that are available to help with costs.
- At a 2006 Energy Expo at the Athol Town Hall, local author Allen Young presented this talk about local and regional hydropower. (For additional area hydropower companies, visit Swift River Hydro and the French River Land Company.)
- A proposed 47 megawatt biomass electricity generating plant in Greenfield prompted North Quabbin Energy to research and write a statement about this form of generating electricity. Click here for the statement.
- As more large-scale solar farms begin to appear in the region, questions are being raised about this mode of generating electricity. North Quabbin Energy’s written statement on solar farms can be found here.
- Coop Power, based in Greenfield, is active in developing a range of energy efficiency and locally-owned generation projects, including solar installations and biodiesel production.
- The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, also based in Greenfield, supports a wide range of sustainable building solutions, including the use of renewable energy.
- The Pioneer Valley Photovoltaics Cooperative, or PV Squared, is a collective of experienced installers and designers working on solar thermal and PV and wind projects.