Officials at Mass MoCA are hoping to get a green light for green energy, to the tune of $8 million or more in funding that would place solsr panels on many of the roofs in the massive complex. (Photo By Glenn Drohan)
NORTH ADAMS — Following its dynamic role in revitalizing this once ailing mill city into a destination for the arts, Mass MoCA has proposed to combine art, technology and alternative energy into an $8-million-plus showcase project designed to help put the whole region on the map.
The idea sounds terrific, nearly everyone agrees, but it might be pie in the sky unless substantial public funding can be found.
In a proposal to the state’s Renewable Energy Trust, earlier this year, MoCA officials outlined a plan to cover 150,000 square feet of the sprawling complex’s rooftops with solar panels as part of a 1-megawatt photovoltaic plant that could save up to 60 percent of the museum’s annual energy costs.
Beyond that, the proposal states, “We now propose utilizing this high-profile public venue to demonstrate and dramatize effective large-scale application of renewable energy technologies, creating both a lab and a legacy in collaboration with the Renewable Energy Trust.
“We propose augmenting a large-scale ‘real life’ demonstration of renewable energy technologies with a roster of thought-provoking public educational programs and displays. Mass MoCA’s audience — who arrives at the factory campus expecting to be confronted with the best and most challenging of new ideas, designs and progressive thinking — will witness firsthand how historic buildings and public spaces can benefit from creative application of new renewable energy technologies.â€
While acknowledging the idea met with some skepticism from the energy trust during a meeting this spring, Eric Kerns, originator of the plan at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, said Monday that he believes it would make infinite sense and yield immediate benefits.
“It would be like an endowment on your roof,†he said, referring to the enormous potential for saving energy costs — estimated at up to $170,000 per year.
The museum complex has 28 buildings, many of them with large, flat roofs that have a southern exposure conducive to generating large amounts of solar energy. The first roof to get solar panels would be Building 12 (the one with the huge Mass MoCA sign on it), which would also generate significant public exposure for the project, according to Kerns, who has worked for four years as MoCA box office manager and is currently on vacation.
With the backing of MoCA Director Joseph C. Thompson, Kerns developed the proposal and approached both the energy trust and leaders in the renewable-energy field, receiving positive feedback but major questions about its financial feasibility.
The proposal had been a well-kept secret until it surfaced in a draft report on strategic investment initiatives for the “Northern Tier†discussed at a conference hosted by U.S. Rep. John D. Olver, D-Amherst, in Greenfield Monday.
Renewable energy is part of a four-pronged economic-development strategy for about 40 Western Massachusetts communities along the Route 2 corridor being researched by Olver, community leaders and consultant Mount Auburn Associates Inc. The other prongs would involve a “creative cluster†of art venues, museums and educational facilities in the region, establishing a comprehensive plan for eco-tourism and outdoor recreation and investing in “small, growth-oriented manufacturing.â€
Well over 100 leaders from Gardner to North Adams attended the conference, with over 40 of them choosing renewable energy as their focus of interest. Most agreed that the use of renewable energy could play a role in each of the other economic-development strategies, particularly manufacturing and eco-tourism. Consultants have already recommended pursuing wind, solar and biomass projects throughout the region. (Biomass basically involves the clean burning of wood and other plant material). Among the recommendations is that nearby Greenfield should be investigated as a “regional manufacturing and distribution hub for renewable energy.â€
The section of the Northern Tier draft report that discusses the Mass MoCA proposal states, “It is estimated that this installation could generate a megawatt of electricity and would be one of the largest single installations in the state. This project has the potential to give the region a major presence in photo-voltaic development in the Northeast and possibly nationally as well, establishing Mass MoCA as an arts/eco-industrial site.â€
Mayor John Barrett III said yesterday that he was familiar with the idea and intrigued by it but had doubts it was “doable†because of the amount of money needed.
“I suppose it’s a way we could find a renewable energy source, which is good, but whether it’s economically feasible, I don’t know. It would save more than $100,000 a year in energy costs, but what’s the investment?†he said, later adding, “If we could use it as a pilot program and refine it for other entities, I think it might be worth a shot.â€
MoCA Director Thompson said he had enthusiastically pursued the plan but thought the financing was a “deal stopper†until Olver recently approached the museum, expressing interest.
“Rep. Olver is very interested in this topic and invited Mass MoCA to make a presentation. That’s where it sits,†Thompson said. “I thought it was a great idea that had died, but perhaps it’s been resurrected.â€
In the MoCA proposal, Kerns noted that much of the solar technology used around the world was developed in Massachusetts, which had the first solar house and the first solar neighborhood (in Grafton).
“Massachusetts should stake out this historic legacy, exploiting it as a tool for public education and commercial marketing, by creating the first large-scale renewable energy center of its kind at Mass MoCA,†he wrote in the proposal.
Part of the grant money MoCA seeks would be devoted to researching other technologies for future installation, including small-scale demonstration plants for hydrogen fuel cells, biomass generators and low-impact hydropower generators. The museum could link with other educational institutions, such as Williams College and the
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, as well as provide bus tours to nearby wind farms in Searsburg, Vt., and, potentially Florida and Monroe, where 20 large turbines are expected to be constructed by enexco Inc. next year.
“Indeed, the project will position Mass MoCA as a public port of access for a wide array of renewable energy installations throughout Berkshire County,†the proposal states.
While the idea is still in the formulative stage, Kerns and others at Monday’s conference said they hope it could move forward soon. Kerns pointed to Mass MoCA’s proven track record in converting former mill space into world-class art galleries and commercial enterprises. The museum has developed a reputation for turning projects around quickly, creating jobs and producing results.
“We are incredibly savvy construction managers,†Kerns said. “If they signed a check, I could make two phone calls and we’d have guys on the roof in a month.â€
Among the potential benefits of the project would be the following:
• Mass MoCA would serve as a beacon to the renewable energy manufacturing, installation and maintenance industries, confirming and advertising the commonwealth’s leadership position in the industry.
• A valuable “real-world laboratory and test site for renewable energy technology†would be established, with successful technologies installed statewide.
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• The ability for Mass MoCA to attract commercial tenants looking for green power, broaden its educational mission and increase visitation, as well as prolong the life of its roofs.
• Increased tourism and public awareness of alternative energy.
• Job creation.
• Vocational training and education in energy technology.
• An improved environmental image — “from brownfield to brightfield.â€
“Everybody I talk to says ‘Omigod, this is such a great idea!’†Kerns said. “It’s such a no-brainer. Everyone would benefit — the state Mass MoCa, green energy as a whole. It all sounds great, but who’s going to pay for it? That remains the problem.â€
He said he was hopeful that, with Olver’s backing, federal money might be found. Another option would be to seek major corporations seeking tax breaks, which could be substantial under the state’s energy policy.
“One of the problems has been that renewable hasn’t been treated like a technology, which is what it really is,†Kerns said. “It shouldn’t be thought of as something that can never happen or is too expensive. It should be given the same credence as the Pentium chip.â€
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Burning biomass will result in increased levels of particulate pollution and lead to increased illness and mortality for North Adams' residents. Biomass, because it is less concentrated than the fossil fuels it replaces, is always more polluting.
This is why the Massachusetts Medical Society opposes the construction of large biomass burners and tighter regulation of small burners.
Biomass burning is NOT "carbon neutral," and is now contributing to increased deforestation around the world.
Burning biomass would be a step backwards for Mass MoCa.
State Fire Marshal Offers Cold Snap Heating Safety Tips
STOW, Mass. —With temperatures expected to dip into the teens overnight this week, Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine is reminding residents to stay warm safely and protect their loved ones from some of the most common home heating fires.
"We're expecting very cold weather in the nights ahead, and home heating appliances will be working overtime," said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. "Heating equipment is the leading cause of carbon monoxide at home and the second leading cause of residential fires. Whether you're using gas, oil, solid fuel, or space heaters to keep warm, be sure you keep safe, too."
State Fire Marshal Davine said there were nearly 6,000 heating fires in Massachusetts from 2019 to 2023. These fires claimed eight lives, caused 139 injuries to firefighters and residents, and contributed to over $42 million in damage. And in 2023 alone, Massachusetts fire departments reported finding carbon monoxide at nearly 5,000 non-fire incidents.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Every household needs working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of their home. Check the manufacturing date on the back of your alarms so you know when to replace them: smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years, and carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced after 5 to 10 years depending on the model. If your alarms take alkaline batteries, put in fresh batteries twice a year when you change your clocks. If it's time to replace your alarms, choose new ones from a well-known, national brand. Select smoke alarms with a sealed, long-life battery and a hush feature.
Natural Gas and Oil Heat
If you have a furnace, water heater, or oil burner, have it professionally checked and serviced each year. This will help it run more efficiently, which will save you money and could save your life. Always keep a three-foot "circle of safety" around the appliance clear of anything that could catch fire. Never store painting supplies, aerosol cans, or other flammable items near these appliances. If you smell gas, don't use any electrical switches or devices: get out, stay out, and call 9-1-1 right away.
Residents struggling to pay for heating bills or maintenance may be eligible for assistance through the Massachusetts home energy assistance program (HEAP). No matter what type of heating equipment you use, HEAP may be able to help you pay your winter heating bills or maintain your heating system. All Massachusetts residents are encouraged to explore eligibility for this free program and apply for assistance.
Solid Fuel Heating
If you use a fireplace or a stove that burns wood, pellets, or coal, always keep the area around it clear for three feet in all directions. This circle of safety should be free of furniture, drapery, rugs, books and papers, fuel, and any other flammable items. To prevent sparks and embers from escaping, use a fireplace screen or keep the stove door closed while burning. Use only dry, seasoned hardwood and don't use flammable liquids to start the fire. To dispose of ashes, wait until they are cool and shovel them into a metal bucket with a lid and place it outside at least 10 feet away from the building.
Have your chimney and flue professionally inspected and cleaned each year. Most chimney fires are caused by burning creosote, a tarry substance that builds up as the fireplace, wood stove, or pellet stove is used. If burning creosote, sparks, embers, or hot gases escape through cracks in the flue or chimney, they can cause a fire that spreads to the rest of the structure. Annual cleaning and inspection can minimize this risk. Contact the Massachusetts Chimney Sweep Guild or Chimney Safety Institute of America to identify reputable local companies.
Space Heaters
Keep space heaters at least three feet from curtains, bedding, and anything else that can burn. Plug them directly into a wall socket, not an extension cord or a power strip, and remember that they're for temporary use. Always turn a space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
When purchasing a space heater, select one that's been tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing company, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL). Newer space heaters should have an automatic shut-off switch that turns the device off if it tips over. Unvented kerosene space heaters and portable propane space heaters are not permitted for residential use in Massachusetts, State Fire Marshal Davine said: the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning that they pose is too great.
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