EAC Meeting Minutes
ENERGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
Friday October 4, 2013 12:30PM
MART/MRPC Conference Room, 840 North Main Street, Leominster
MEETING MINUTES
I. Welcome and Introduction
Sean Hamilton, Sterling Light; Tom Roufos, MRPC; Sam Lawton, MRPC; Victor Koivumaki, MRPC Chair; Ann Pierce, MassDevelopment; Danielle Mucciarone, NMCOG; John Hume, MRPC; Stephanie Brow, MRPC; Bob Shatten, Boreal Renewable Energy Development
S. Hamilton called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m.
II. Approval of July 19, 2013 Minutes
It was the consensus of the committee to approve the minutes as distributed.
III. Discussion on the potential of Hydropower in the Region
B. Shatten began a conference call with Greg Allen of Alden Engineering so that he could participate in the discussion.
T. Roufos gave a brief presentation on the history and usage of hydropower.
Mr. Roufos discussed the origins of hydropower as a whole and also in regards hydropower and its use in the region. There are two main types of water turbines, impulse turbines and reaction turbines. Mr. Roufos indicated that hydropower is a more valuable resource specifically in this region, than wind simply due to the availability flowing water.
Dams can present certain problems for the wildlife involved in the body of water to be utilized. It was effect the oxygenation in the water, also create sediments, and displace people and animals due to their size. The siting of a hydropower facility needs to be done with great care regarding the environment around it.
Mr. Roufos discussed a variety of different ways that hydropower can be utilized without building a dam in a waterway also. He discussed underwater turbines, which can be used in rivers without blocking the river itself. Power is generated by the water rushing through the turbine.
Mr. Roufos discussed hydropower regulation with the group, including several funding opportunities made available by the state.
V. Koivumaki and the representative from Alden Engineers discussed the environmental impacts of hydropower sites, and its effect on the ecosystem surrounding.
The group discussed new technologies that are far less disruptive to the environment to harness hydropower as opposed to building dams and creating reservoirs. Discussion continued regarding the issues that arise when hydropower facilities are put into place.
Discussion continued regarding the difference between the solar energy business as well as the hydropower, including environmental problems that can occur with each as well as the potential power generated by each method.
IV. Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Boreal Renewable Energy Development update on WPI student participation
B. Shatton indicated that Borreal and the students will be working on creating a webpage, based on topical information regarding solar, wind and hydropower in order to allow people in the communities to access all the information about these projects that they could possibly need.
Mr. Shatton indicated that students have now chosen which topics they would like to work on and the implementation of the project has begun. More information will be brought to the next meeting regarding the steps the students are taking to complete this project.
V. Administrative Matters
The next meeting of the Energy Advisory Committee is not scheduled, but notice will be sent in advance of the meeting.
- Adjournment
There being no further business, S. Hamilton adjourned the meeting at 2:05 p.m.
DOCUMENTS PRESENTED AT THIS MEETING:
EAC Meeting Notice October 4, 2013
July 9, 2013 Meeting Minutes
Hydropower Presentation Handout
Hydropower Info Packet, Alden Engineers