A $1 million grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources will allow the City of Holyoke to rehabilitate a generating unit at its 30-MW Hadley Falls hydropower plant.
The project will increase the nameplate capacity on the generator from 15 MW to almost 17 MW, adding to the New England state’s efforts to reduce its carbon dioxide output by 25% from 1990 levels by 2020.
Funding for the grant comes through the Massachusetts’ Alternative Compliance Payments (ACP) program, which provides money specifically earmarked to aid municipalities develop renewable portfolios to replace coal generation facilities.
“Partnering with communities to help them meet their energy needs to help them meet their energy needs will help the commonwealth to continue to lead the way on clean energy, energy efficiency and the adoption of innovative technologies,” Gov. Charlie Baker said.
Hadley, operated by the city’s Holyoke Gas & Electric, underwent a significant rehabilitation after a wicket gate stem sheared in two in January 2007.
The hydroelectric plant began operating in 1951 on the Connecticut River.
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