Plans for a Demonstration Photovoltaic/Wind/Pumped Storage System Integrated on an Island in Boston Harbor

ABSTRACT This paper describes the energy section of the Master Plan for an Island in Boston Harbor devoted to public educational and recreational use. The Island provides an unusual opportunity to demonstrate the viability of various alternative energy systems, integrated to provide power for 177,000 square feet of existing buildings, built of brick in 1904, abandoned in 1947, with rehabilitation begun in 1983. Placing initial and primary emphasis on photovoltaic cells, the plan also utilizes windpower and water pumped storage. Diesel generators are to be installed as backup. Educational displays are to be interactive with the public, demonstrating power availability and use and the value of conservation . Island visitation is projected at 20,000 initially, growing to 200,000 annually. Electrical demand (currently there is none) would grow from 28,000 KWH to 250,000 KWH annually. Peddocks Island offers the advantages of a remote island location combined with easy access (50 minutes by boat) from downtown Boston, its universities, corporations and international airport. The Island is a potential showpiece for the Boston area's 2,800,000 residents and for visitors from the United States and overseas.