Boston and Cambridge Institutions drive renewable energy with Apex Clean Energy partnership
A coalition of higher education institutions, healthcare systems, and nonprofits in Boston and Cambridge has formed the Consortium for Climate Solutions to invest in large-scale renewable energy projects.
The partnership, which includes Harvard University, Mass General Brigham (MGB), and MIT, aims to advance climate action by supporting two major renewable energy facilities.
Through two virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), the Consortium will facilitate the development of 408 MW of renewable energy. The Big Elm Solar project in Texas is already operational, while the Bowman Wind project in North Dakota is set to come online in 2026.
Together, these projects are expected to produce 1.3 million megawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, equivalent to the energy use of 130,000 U.S. homes.
The initiative is expected to provide $64 million in tax revenue, generate 750 construction jobs, and offer $100 million in income for local landowners and farmers. By integrating renewable energy into the grid, the projects aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve grid resilience.
Glen Shor, Executive Vice President and Treasurer at MIT, commented on the collaboration:
“MIT has mobilized on multiple fronts to expedite solutions to climate change. Catalyzing these large-scale renewable projects is an important part of our comprehensive efforts to reduce carbon emissions from generating energy. . We are pleased to work in partnership with other local enterprises and organizations to amplify the impact we could achieve individually.”
The collaboration was facilitated by PowerOptions, a nonprofit energy consortium, enabling other organizations to participate under the same negotiated terms. Members include the City of Cambridge, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Boston Children’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Tufts University, and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority.
Meredith Weenick, Executive Vice President at Harvard University, highlighted the significance of collaboration:
“Investing in new large-scale renewables marks a significant step forward for Harvard in its commitment to a clean energy future. By founding the Consortium with MIT, MGB, and PowerOptions members, we are not only catalyzing the transition to a cleaner grid, but also demonstrating a collaboration model that will enable a variety of nonprofit organizations and municipalities to work together to address the urgent challenges of climate change.”
The Consortium’s efforts also aim to inspire similar partnerships across other regions. Ken Young, CEO of Apex Clean Energy, said:
“This Consortium highlights the power of collaboration to drive the energy transition and expand the accessibility of renewable power to organizations of all sizes.”
The renewable energy generated through these agreements is expected to contribute significantly to the decarbonization of the electrical grid, aligning with local and national climate goals.
