WESTFIELD–The city’s energy supply will be getting a little greener, after Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and several local politicians dedicated a new solar power installation in Westfield.
The installation was developed by ConEdison Development (CED) and was built on a former 10-acre “brownfield” on Russellville Road. The land is owned by the Cowles family, which local politicians made sure to thank during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
In addition to Polito, Mayor Brian Sullivan, Senator Don Humason, and city councilors Mary Ann Babinski and Dan Knapik were also in attendance.
Lt. Gov. Polito and Mayor Sullivan talk during the dedication ceremony of the Russellville Road solar power installation
“The biggest thing is we cleaned up a brownfield,” Sullivan said. “We have taken a blighted property that was going to have a significant negative impact and turned it into a successful project.”
A brownfield, according to the EPA’s website, “is a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.”
According to CED’s president and CEO Mark Noyes, prior to conversion the brownfield held largely discarded construction material. He said that the company took piles of construction debris as much as 40 feet high and ground it down, cleaned up oil and other contaminants at the site and reforested some of the area surrounding the solar panels.
The ribbon-cutting at the Russellville Road solar installation. From left to right: Sen. Don Humason, CED CEO Mark Noyes, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Mayor Brian Sullivan, Westfield G and E GM Dan Howard and Rep. Velis aide Brenna Closius
The solar installation has a total of 8,844 panels and, according to a CED press release, “will generate enough energy to provide electricity for approximately 300 homes.”
The energy though, will first go into Westfield Gas and Electric’s power grid, since CED and Westfield Gas and Electric have a purchase agreement established. Westfield Gas and Electric’s general manager Dan Howard said that this is due to state laws overseeing municipalities.
“We know going forward now what the price will be for power,” Howard said.
Polito said that the Commonwealth has continued to improve its solar energy programs and output, showing a dedication to the energy source.
“I think Massachusetts has demonstrated its commitment to solar,” she said. “For the past nine years, each year had more solar projects than the previous year.”
She added that the state has an estimated 500 new solar projects online each week and currently has a total of 55,000 solar projects online across the state.
A portion of the solar panels on Russellville Road
“This provides 3 percent of our energy,” Polito said. “This may not seem like a lot, but 10 years ago it provided one-tenth of 1 percent of energy.”
Westfield resident Rich Salois, who lives nearby at 220 Russellville Road, said that this installation is beneficial, but hopes the city will continue to search for new ways of energy.
“I’m excited this is happening, this was a sandpit before,” Salois said. “But we shouldn’t be swayed by the benevolence of this–I don’t believe this is the total answer. I think we have to take advantage of all energy sources together.”
