WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Delahunt joined with state officials to announce that the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth’s Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Center (ATMC), has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s Renewable Energy Trust Fund to establish a marine renewable energy center (MREC).
“The development of renewable energy from our oceans has reached the point where it has real potential to help meet regional power demands and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions that contribute to global warming,” Delahunt said. “I would like to commend the University of Massachusetts, the MTC, Edgartown and Nantucket officials for coming up with a plan to harness the power of the sea.”
UMass Dartmouth, through the Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Center (ATMC) will use the funds to establish a Marine Renewable Energy Center (MREC) to create the capability for on-shore and in-water testing and demonstration of wave, tidal, current and off-shore wind renewable energy projects. The ATMC will coordinate its efforts with Edgartown officials to establish an in-water testing center for tidal power in Muskeget Channel off Martha’s Vineyard. The Town of Edgartown received approval to test tidal energy in Muskeget Channel from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission two weeks ago. Delahunt wrote a letter in strong support of the proposal.
Delahunt has also worked with Congressmen Barney Frank and Jim McGovern to secure new federal funding and tax incentives for marine renewable energy technology. The establishment of the MREC will position southeastern Massachusetts communities, companies and research institutions to secure federal funds for the research and development of emerging marine technology. The only in-water testing and demonstration facilities are currently in Europe.
“The Cape and Islands has significant wave, tidal and offshore renewable energy resources to help New England meet its long term energy needs,” Delahunt said. “The establishment of a regional marine renewable energy center that brings together key local communities, academic institutions, and companies will position our region to compete in this emerging clean energy industry.”
Last spring, Delahunt joined with Representative Jay Inslee of Washington to co-sponsor the “the Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Promotion Act.” This legislation would help to level the playing field for marine-power generators by providing loans for the development of new technologies and extending renewable energy tax credits to such utilities. It also would place $50 million a year into marine-energy research for 10 years to help overcome hurdles such as integrating power generated into the grid and creating infrastructure than can survive in harsh marine environments. It was included as a provision in H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 that was signed into law in December 2007.
Delahunt has also promoted a federal program to promote offshore renewable energy zoning. Earlier this month, he co-sponsored the Coastal State Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2008. This legislation is similar to a legislative proposal that Congressman Delahunt introduced in 2003, which authorized the leasing of federal waters for renewable energy, and provided funding to state Coastal Zone Management offices to identify sites for offshore projects. A similar proposal, without the planning assistance, was eventually incorporated into the final version of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
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