Massachusetts forwards its goal to reach net zero in 2050 with the Knox Solar + Storage project
The Acton Water District in Acton, Massachusetts, added 1.5 MW of solar and 2 MWh of battery storage to its clean energy portfolio. The project supplies energy to the Water District’s microfiltration treatment plant, its largest electrical load, allowing it to benefit from discounted clean power and system lease revenues.
The Knox Solar + Storage system generates an estimated 1,872 MWh of clean energy annually, enough to power nearly 200 Massachusetts homes for one year and offset the carbon dioxide equivalent of burning more than 700 tons of coal in one year. It also furthers Massachusetts’ goals for a clean energy future and helps fulfill the state’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard.
“Producing clean water is energy intensive and the ability to utilize clean energy is immensely beneficial,” said Matthew Mostoller, District Manager, Acton Water District. “That’s why we’re delighted to announce our latest solar project. EDF Renewables and Standard Solar have been wonderful partners for us as we decarbonize our operations and begin to reap the benefits of our solar + storage installations.”
Standard Solar acquired the project from developer EDF Renewables North America and will be the long-term owner. The Knox Solar + Storage is the second renewables installation Standard Solar owns and operates for the Acton Water District. The first is the 4.7 MW solar and 4 MWh storage Lawsbrook Project, also developed by EDF Renewables.
“We’re proud to continue our partnerships with EDF Renewables and the Acton Water District to accelerate solar + storage deployment in Massachusetts,” said Eric Partyka, Director of Business Development, Standard Solar. “The Knox project is the latest in a series that demonstrates our continued growth in Massachusetts and around the U.S. We look forward to adding many more projects like this one that help save energy costs and meet sustainability goals in 2023 and beyond.”
Like the Lawsbrook Project, the Knox system was constructed on land owned by the Acton Water District, previously disturbed from gravel extraction and part of the W.R. Grace Superfund Site.
“EDF Renewables is proud to deliver a second project to the Acton Water District in support of their ambitious clean energy goals while also reducing costs,” said Peter Bay, VP, Project Development for EDF Renewables. “Beyond the significant economic benefits the project will bring to the District, it embodies the intentions of Massachusetts’ SMART Program as it’s located on a superfund site while interconnecting directly to the South Acton Water Treatment Plant. We appreciate the collaborative partnership with Standard Solar and the Acton Water District and look forward to future opportunities.”
