Mass. gets $22m for use in energy-saving projects
Massachusetts has received nearly $22 million in federal stimulus funds for projects enhancing energy efficiency at state-owned buildings and facilities, the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs announced yesterday.
The money, a portion of the $54.9 million the state is expected to receive this year from the US Department of Energy’s State Energy Program, will be used to install solar photovoltaic systems at publicly owned buildings and to fund projects that reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the long run, according to a press release.
“We plan to begin investing these federal dollars immediately in projects that will boost the Massachusetts green economy while reducing our carbon footprint and providing long-term energy savings for the public facilities and agencies across the Commonwealth,’’ Governor Deval Patrick said in a statement.
The state earlier received $5.5 million for administrative costs of these projects and will get another $27.5 million if it successfully meets its initial goals under the State Energy Program.
Lawmakers said they hope the projects will produce more green jobs across the state.
Under the state program, solar panels will be installed at various buildings, including state colleges and universities, the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, and Logan International Airport.
The Massachusetts Solar Stimulus Program envisions creating at least 16 megawatts of new solar power through the program, according to the release.
“It’s important that we identify these new technologies that will help give us options other than fossil fuel sources,’’ Richard Walsh, a spokesman for Massport told the Globe.
Walsh said the installations go hand in hand with many environmentally friendly measures already in place at the airport, such as wind turbines, energy-efficient shuttle buses, and “green parking,’’ spaces in parking lots that are designated for hybrid vehicles.
Jayakrishna can be reached at njayakrishna@globe.com. 
