AMHERST — The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has released a comprehensive study that evaluates the potential of developing a network of water-testing demonstration centers in the state, including one at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
The centers would pilot new water technologies to position the state as a global leader in the water innovation and energy efficiency sector, providing significant business and employment opportunities.
The report calls for creating a network of three demonstration centers around the state. They would be located at the Wastewater Pilot Plant at UMass Amherst, the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC) in Barnstable and a pilot plant located at the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s Deer Island Treatment Plant in Boston Harbor. Establishing the network of centers could create jobs, lower energy costs, and optimize municipal operations, in addition to supporting water technology research, the study says. A successfully established test bed network could serve existing Massachusetts-based water technology companies, help attract new companies to the Commonwealth, advance new solutions to both local and global water challenges, and provide a strong foundation for innovation.
The Amherst site is ideal for this work, Sullivan says.
“UMass Amherst is already a leader in this sector,” he says. “The campus is positioned to undertake further research and development that will support industry growth and help grow a talented workforce for related industries.”
Authorization for an investment in water technologies was approved as part of the state’s 2014 environmental bond bill. Funds would be released after the governor’s approval.