Politics & Government

Governor Patrick Celebrates Growth in the MA Clean Energy Industry

There are more than 5,500 clean energy companies in the Commonwealth, employing nearly 80,000 workers.

Governor Deval Patrick visited First Wind’s headquarters on Tuesday to celebrate the clean energy company’s successes in the solar and wind industries. First Wind is the largest independent renewable energy developer in New England.

“First Wind is a great partner in our growing clean energy industry,” said Governor Patrick, according to a statement. “They are living proof that we can both grow jobs and protect our environment by investing in a clean energy future.”

Governor Patrick met with company CEO Paul Gaynor and talked with First Wind employees about the growth of the clean energy industry in Massachusetts.

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"Governor Patrick's policies have enabled First Wind, and the clean energy industry as a whole, to thrive in Massachusetts and be national leaders," said Gaynor. "This Administration believes in strategic investments in innovation and infrastructure, and we are happy to work with the Governor to take control of our energy future, instead of leaving it to chance."

First Wind is one of more than 5,500 clean energy companies in the Commonwealth, employing nearly 80,000 workers. The cleantech industry in Massachusetts has grown 11.8 percent in the last year, 24 percent in the last two years.

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First Wind started with 15 employees in Massachusetts in 2007 and has grown to employ 72 in the Commonwealth, and more than 200 nationwide. It operates six utility-scale wind projects in New England. Last month, it celebrated the completion of its first Massachusetts-based solar project in Warren.


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