City Harbor Islands Wind Initiative

The City is promoting pilot projects to examine the potential for wind power in Boston. City staff work with the Community Wind Collaborative of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to study the feasibility of installing wing turbines on Long Island in Boston Harbor. This study builds upon MTC-funded Boston Harbor Islands Renewable Planning Guide, which analyzes the resources of the grid-tied Boston Harbor Islands and identifies alternative technologies and sites. It also assessed environmental, community, and regulatory issues. The City is coordinating this project with another wind turbine project in Boston Harbor proposed by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.

Community Wind Collaborative

Through its Renewable Energy Trust, the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative has launched a $4 million initiative, allowing the Community Wind Collaborative to design and construct small wind projects, which will help reduce energy costs and contribute to keeping the environment of Massachusetts cleaner.

Wind Energy Zoning

The Boston Redevelopment Authority is in the process of establishing zoning regulations for the erection and operation of both ground-mounted and building-integrated wind energy facilities within the city. The zoning regulations will provide standards for the placement, design, monitoring, modification and removal of wind energy facilities. The regulations seek to streamline wind turbine installation, address public safety concerns, minimize impacts on scenic, natural and historic resources of the City of Boston, and provide adequate financial assurance for decommissioning. These zoning regulations are currently undergoing public and internal review before being put into place.

Boston Public Schools Wind Energy Procurement

Boston Public Schools are currently studying the feasibility of wind energy systems at several of their campuses, and hope to install four 250 kW wind turbines at West Roxbury High School, Charlestown High School, Madison Park High School, and the Ohrenberger School.

Logan Airport Wind Turbines

The Massachusetts Port Authority installed 20 roof-mounted wind turbines at Logan Airport's Office Center in May 2008. This fleet of 12-foot-tall wind turbines, each of which has a capacity of 1 kW, is allowing Logan to tap into the steady winds along of Boston's waterfront. Logan's project is one of a number of current or pending roof-mounted wind installations around Boston.