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New Bedford Journal
December 6, 2009

Cleantech Leader

On November 8th, the Standard-Times featured an article that discussed efforts by city officials
to position Ned Bedford as a “cleantech” hub. What does that mean? Why is it of potential
interest for those involved in environmental concerns? And while we’re on that subject, I am
going to be screening a 20 minute film put together by the National Resources Defense Council
on the recently recognized problem of acidification of the ocean waters – a byproduct of rising
CO¬¬2 emissions that has dire consequences for a fishing community like New Bedford.

“Cleantech” is a broad term that covers a range of emerging technologies and industries related
to alternative or renewable energy and energy efficiency. From the standpoint of city leaders,
this means, first and foremost, economic stimulus. New jobs in out area which is experiencing
well over 10 percent unemployment. People like John DeVillars, a partner at Blue Wave
Strategies (it’s an advisory company to renewable energy projects) believes that over the
course of several years, New Bedford can develop a cleantech economy to employ several thousand
of its citizens. Matthew Morrissey, executive director of New Bedford’s Economic Development
Council, saw the economic potential of the cleantech industry several years ago. And that it
could make up for the decline in the city’s traditional manufacturing base.

Cleantech technologies match up well with New Bedford's assets, geographic location, and existing work force. They also give New Bedford the chance to be a leader in clean energy-related solutions to carbon emission-caused environment disaster. There are obvious economic benefits as well. Venture capitalists have invested $8.7 billion into energy-related startups since 2006. The expectation is for that trend to continue, with Obama pledging to invest $150 billion in energy technology over the next 10 years.

The fact is that the $6 trillion worldwide energy industry must be completely transformed over the next several decades. In New Bedford, more than a dozen companies fall under the broad umbrella of cleantech. These include companies such as Ze-Gen, which has developed a gasification technology using liquid metal to convert waste into synthesis gas, or syngas, that can be used in the same way as natural gas. Or Konarka, which manufactures Power Plastic, a photovoltaic material. Or existing companies that have moved into renewable energy, such as Beaumont Solar.

To keep its early lead, New Bedford has formed a renewable energy task force made up of representatives from local cleantech companies. Creating a cluster of companies involved in similar initiatives promotes innovation, and makes it easier to attract investment.

One project that could increase New Bedford's chances of attracting offshore and ocean energy companies is a plan to build a maritime renewable facility on the city's waterfront. This facility would allow New Bedford to host offshore projects, including wind farms and tidal energy projects. New Bedford already has a lot of existing maritime infrastructure in place.

What I see in all of this not only a great opportunity for New Bedford to give the citizens of the area an economic boost, but, more importantly, the opportunity to take leadership in generating the belief within American society at large that we can do something now that is positive in addressing complex environmental problems stemming from excessive carbon emissions, pollution, and inefficient ways of using energy. It is a living example of hope. New Bedford is at the center of that hope. And First Unitarian is at the center of New Bedford.

Think about it.

This is my New Bedford Journal for December 6th, 2009.