This section of the Energy Information Clearinghouse highlights projects, programs, and activities that foreshadow
a cleaner and green energy future for Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. Visit
The Energy Future for more detail.
Construction
The new 100-kW wind turbine at Hyannis Country Garden was installed in fall 2008. The turbine will
generate a lot of positive energy while reducing the nursery's energy bill and carbon footprint. The machine
is expected to produce more than 90% of Country Garden's electricity, and it is already attracting new customers
to the business.
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Eco-Roof
Thatching represents an attractive and sustainable roofing solution. This thatched roof, gracing a
barn in Yarmouthport, transforms an invasive wetland plant (Phragmites sp.) into a useful, biodegradable
shelter. |
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Plentiful Stock
Organized consumers with discerning eyes and tight buildings can rely on wood and other bioenergy resources
to lower their bills, decrease their reliance on fossil fuels, and reduce their emissions footprints. Wood
must be purchased early and in bulk - preferably from vendors who participate in sustainable harvesting programs
- and it must be burned in modern stoves to heat efficient built environments.
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Sites of Inspiration
Solar photovoltaic installations near the Gay Head lighthouse and elsewhere represent visible indicators of
progress as the Vineyard Energy Project pursues
an island-wide goal of "energy independence within a generation" - and sets an example for Cape Cod, Nantucket,
and the rest of the nation. |
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Modest Start
Cape Cod's first grid-tied turbine went online in June 2005 at Cape Cod Tech in Harwich, successfully concluding
an installer's workshop. A second small wind installation, this time at Upper Cape Tech in Bourne, is planned
for
May 15-20, 2006, through another workshop organized by Cape & Islands Self-Reliance. |
(Credit: Megan Amsler, Self-Reliance)
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Making Waves
According to a recent study by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), a 100-MW "wave farm" of Pelamis
energy conversion devices sited off the Cape Cod National Seashore could prove commercially feasible in the
relatively near term. EPRI is currently assessing the feasibility of a tidal energy project in the Muskeget
Channel between Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
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Cleaner Holidays
Seasonal displays brightened by light-emitting diodes, rather than conventional bulbs, can spread cheer while
reducing electricity bills.
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The Solar-Powered Lawnmower
Temporary electric fencing keeps the sheep in, the predators out, and the grass down at the Audubon sanctuary
in Cummaquid, helping protect habitat for threatened birds.
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Gas Fast
Kathleen Tyger Wright parked her car for the month of July 2005 to reduce her energy footprint. She estimates
$55. in savings on fuel costs, more than 663 lbs in reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, and many hours
of inner peace from reduced personal reliance on foreign oil.
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2004 Honda Civic Hybrid
Gary Mazo and his daughter, Sara, are all smiles in front of their 2004 Honda Civic hybrid. Savings at the
fuel pump - almost $3000 over 12 months. Federal tax break - $2500. Reduced emissions of pollutants and greenhouse
gases and decreased reliance on foreign oil - priceless.
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The Carrot Car
A visionary drawing by Zachary Hesse in May 2004, when he was in Grade 2 at Barnstable - West Barnstable Elementary
School.
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U.S. Coast Guard - Air Station Cape Cod Fuel
Cell Installation
A fuel cell converted natural gas into both electricity and heat, delivering cleaner energy to hangars, administrative
buildings, and the barracks at U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod. Unfortunately, this demonstration unit
failed in fall 2005. |
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The Race Point Lighthouse
Photovoltaic panels harness the sun's energy at the Race Point Lighthouse in Provincetown. This off-the-grid
solution powers the lighting system and water pumps at the historic lightkeeper's house. It also decreases
reliance on a noisy and costly diesel-fueled generator - enhancing visitor experiences and reducing both energy
costs and harmful emissions.
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Credit: Cape Cod Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation
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Green Building
The Woods Hole Research Center's state-of-the-art building integrates green design practices, high-efficiency
construction, and advanced mechanical systems with solar and geothermal energy technologies. Once the planned
installation of a wind turbine is completed, the building will operate without requiring fossil fuels, and
it will infuse the local distribution grid with green electrons. It already provides scientists and other staff
with a comfortable working environment - and it is improving both the regional and global environments.
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Credit: Cape Cod Center for Sustainability
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Windy & Free
A whipping flag, a soaring kite, and a full sail are evidence of the abundance of wind in the Cape & Islands
region. The wind energy resource here is among the best in the United States, and it is orders of magnitude
greater than regional demand for electricity - giving Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket a unique opportunity
to improve economic, environmental, and social conditions while achieving a measure of energy independence.
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 Credit: Charlie Powicki
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Cleaner Transportation
The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority's Shuttle Bus burns propane rather than gasoline, the number of hybrids
and other alternative fuel vehicles on local roadways is growing, and collaborative efforts to implement smarter
and cleaner regional transportation systems are making significant headway. The new Flex-Route on the Outer
Cape represents the best example. |
Credit: Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority
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