Massachusetts awards $200,000 in grants to aid clean energy projects

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center has awarded AccelerateMass grants worth $200,000  to four early-stage clean energy companies, the center said in a recent news release.

The AccelerateMass program awards funding to Massachusetts-based startup companies that are new graduates of business accelerator programs that focus on developing clean energy innovations, the release said.

“Massachusetts has a rich history of innovation and is proud to support entrepreneurs working hard to develop new, creative clean energy solutions,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in the release. “A vibrant startup scene is an important driver for any innovative economy and we are pleased these grants can help play a role in sustaining a competitive and innovative clean energy economy,” Baker said.

The grants, worth $50,000 each, were awarded to Battery Resourcers, which is developing a lithium ion battery recycling process; CoolComposites, which is developing an additive to improve the performance of insulation; Electra Vehicles, which is developing a battery technology designed to reduce costs and extend the battery lifetime for electric and hybrid vehicles; and Idle Smart, which is developing an engine start/stop technology to reduce idling time among trucking fleets, the release said.

“Massachusetts is a leader in clean energy innovation, and by providing this funding we are able to help accelerate groundbreaking technologies designed to meet the commonwealth’s most pressing energy challenges,” Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said in the news release.