Over $33 million heading to Bay State as part of DOE Grant Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chairman of twin energy and environment panels in the House, today announced that companies located in the Seventh Congressional District of Massachusetts will receive $8.6 million in federal funds for advanced energy research projects through the Department of Energy, part of a total of $33 million in grants issued to innovative clean energy technology researchers in the Bay State. Two local small businesses received the prestigious grants, 1366 Technologies in Lexington and Agrivida Inc. in Medford.

“We have long known that Massachusetts is the Hub of the clean energy universe and this critical funding will help keep it that way,” said Markey. “These Recovery Act funds will help ensure that the next generation of clean energy technologies—and the jobs that come with them—will remain here in Massachusetts.

 “I congratulate 1366 Technologies and Agrivida Inc. for securing these prestigious awards to support ambitious energy research projects.”

The funding is being awarded through the Department’s recently-formed Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (“ARPA-E”). All told, Massachusetts will receive over $33 million for clean energy research projects, more than 20 percent of all funds distributed nationally.