Land Use Planning & Zoning

Pioneer Valley Renewable Energy Strategic Plan

project pic

Home generating its own renewable energy.

Project Overview

During 1997 when Massachusetts’ restructured the electric utility industry, the State passed several new policy programs that require a small, but increasing, amount of electricity sold to Massachusetts’ customers to come from new, qualified renewable energy sources. These renewable energy sources are defined as solar photovoltaic, wind energy, landfill methane gas, biomass, and fuel cells using a renewable fuel. The state goal is to add 750-1,000 megawatts (MW) of clean energy to the New England grid by 2009.  One of the goals of the Pioneer Valley Clean Energy Plan is to support actions needed for renewable energy generation.  Since the Pioneer Valley is home to approximately 10% of the state’s population, initial discussions have set the renewable energy goal for the region at 10% of the state’s goal, or 75-100 MW by 2009.

Current Activities

In 2005, the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) awarded a grant to the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) to develop the Pioneer Valley Clean Energy Plan.  The plan identifies specific actions for stakeholders in the region to take to increase energy conservation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop new sources of clean energy in Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin Counties, based on four goals developed during an extensive public participation process.  The two regional planning agencies have been working closely with a regional advisory committee comprised of experts in renewable energy, sustainable development, and planning and have conducted a series of educational sessions involving speakers with expertise in solar, wind, biomass, and bio-diesel technologies.   The plan contains many implementation activities which towns, regional planning agencies, businesses, non-profits, and individuals can undertake to reduce energy consumption, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and to encourage siting of appropriately scaled renewable energy facilities.

Future Plans

In 2008, the FRCOG and PVPC will work together to secure funding to assist with implementation activities contained in the plan.  In addition, FRCOG will be holding information sessions regarding the Clean Energy Plan and hopes towns in Franklin County will endorse the plan and undertake implementation activities.

This page late updated on 1/16/08 .

Top