MassCEC Announces $400,000 Grant for Gardner Wind Turbine

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton today announced a $400,000 grant to support the City of Gardner’s development of a wind turbine in its Summit Industrial Park.

“Communities across the Commonwealth switching to clean energy are cutting municipal energy costs while protecting the environment,” said CEO Barton. “We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Gardner as they continue on their path of clean energy leadership.”

The grant will help the city further develop its turbine proposal by supporting permitting and community engagement efforts, as local officials work to find a private developer to build and own the project.

The turbine project is expected to generate revenue for the city through annual lease payments and taxes.

“This is a tremendous opportunity that will help us on our way towards energy independence,” said Gardner Mayor Mark Hawke. “It makes sense for the environment and makes financial sense for the city.”

"Congratulations to the City of Gardner on receiving this award from MassCEC," said Senator Jennifer Flanagan. "This grant will be a major benefit for the city as they work toward building the turbine. Having clean energy in this district will be of tremendous value to current residents and future generations."

Massachusetts has more than 100 megawatts of installed wind energy capacity, enough to power the equivalent of more than 32,000 average Massachusetts homes.

MassCEC’s Commonwealth Wind program, funded by the Renewable Energy Trust, assists the development of appropriately-sited wind energy projects across the Commonwealth. The program offers assistance at every stage of project development, from early-stage sight assessments to later-stage design and construction.