The four investor owned utilities in Massachusetts (National Grid, NStar, Western Massachusetts Electric Co., and Unitil Corp.) recently demonstrated their commitment to renewable energy as a viable alternative energy option in the Commonwealth.  An article in today’s Boston Globe states that the utilities are seeking bids from producers of renewable energy for long-term energy contracts to sell power to the utilities. This news followed the announcement from Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) in mid-January stating that they are working to fulfill the provision of the Green Communities Act, which requires Massachusetts electric distribution companies to enter into 10- to 15-year contracts with renewable energy projects located within state boundaries.  The DOER began working with the four utilities to coordinate the competitive solicitation for long-term renewable energy contracts, which was was formally issued on January 15, with bids due to electric distribution companies on February 19.

The initiation of the solicitation process represents a significant step forward for the sustainability of renewable energy development and generation in Massachusetts. The ability to sign long-term contracts provides renewable energy projects with increased financial certainty, and therefore, helps to increase the project’s ability to attract investors. For example, when Ze-gen begins to commercialize our process, in order to finance the construction and operation of the facility,  a long-term power purchase agreement will help to make the financing much more attractive. This is true not just for Ze-gen, but for other alternative energy developers, such as solar and wind projects as well, which means these contracts will help to further diversify and increase the State’s energy portfolio.  Helping to ensure financial certainty for renewable energy projects will go a long way toward Massachusetts to fulfill its energy goals.

Railroad ties (or “railway sleepers” outside of the U.S.) are the rectangular load-bearing objects that are used as a base for railroad tracks.  Ties can be made of wood or concrete; wood railroad ties are the predominant type in the United States, while concrete railroad ties are used widely outside of the U.S.  alongside older wood varieties.  In the U.S., approximately 3000 ties are used per mile of railroad track.  Given that approximately 3% of total railroad track is replaced annually for maintenance and disposal,  according to the Railroad Tie Association, and many older railroads get removed each year, many waste railroad ties are discarded regularly and require disposal.  In fact,  13 million ties are removed from the tracks each year (Waste Age). While about half are reused in landscaping projects or bike paths, the other half usually makes it way to the landfill.

Railroad ties must function in varied weather conditions and last for a long time without rotting to minimize the cost of replacement.  Wooden railroad ties are, therefore, treated with chemical wood preservatives, usually containing creosote and/or arsenic, to effectively extend their functional life.  However, these preservatives are toxic and require special handling and disposal when the ties are discarded.  These preservatives can lead to serious health problems, if not handled safely, and many states require that they be disposed of in specially designated landfills to reduce environmental hazards, like potential groundwater contamination.  Thus, new treatments and  disposal methods are always in demand for this difficult waste stream.

Pending permit modifications, Ze-gen plans to test railroad ties at our New Bedford, Massachusetts Demonstration Facility.  The ability to receive railroad ties and use the material for generation of syngas will help to alleviate the challenges with railroad tie management, while keeping this preservative-treated wood material out of the landfill.

For more background on the history of railroad ties check out Railroad Tie Association’s video.

Tomorrow, Tuesday January 26th, the British American Business Council of New England’s (BABCNE) Environment and Energy Committee will host an event titled “Why Start a Clean Energy Business in Massachusetts?” Phil Giudice, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, will serve as the night’s speaker.  Peter Watkinson’s blog, Cleantech Compass, notes that after 2 and 1/2 years of leadership as Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources “collaborating with industry leaders, Phil Giudice has established intelligent, progressive energy policies driving energy efficiency and renewable energy across the state.”

The event will begin at 5:00 PM with a tour of Genzyme Center at 500 Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA. The panel discussion will begin at 6:00 PM. Click here to register.