Massachusetts

Marine transport

Massachusetts startup floats a versatile new solar boat

Longtime EV pioneer James Worden turns his vision to the water, with sun-and-battery-powered vessels customizable for ferry routes, tourist cruises, and water taxis.

By Sarah Shemkus .

28 September 2026

Blue-and-white boat with "Worden Marine" at a doc with city skyline in background; two people on boat, one on dock — The Anita, the prototype of Worden Marine’s solar-powered TruSolar20, gets ready to cruise the Charles River. (Sarah Shemkus/Canary Media)

Heat pumps

Massachusetts ups winter energy discounts for homes with heat pumps

It’s the only state that makes big utilities offer lower seasonal rates for heat pump owners, in an effort to boost adoption and create a fairer system.

By Sarah Shemkus . 17 September 2026
Hydropower

Mass. utilities and Hydro-Quebec sue each other over missing hydropower

A new power line failed to deliver promised hydroelectricity for 12 days this winter. Utilities want compensation — but Hydro-Québec says it’s the one who’s owed.

By Sarah Shemkus . 10 September 2026
Geothermal

Dig Energy completes first project with novel geothermal drilling tech

The firm just wrapped work on a heating and cooling system for a Boston office. It says its rig makes drilling cheaper, quieter, and less water-intensive.

By Sarah Shemkus . 10 September 2026
Geothermal

Boston explores sea- and river-source heat pumps for big buildings

The city is testing the waters with three projects that will use thermal energy in Boston Harbor and the Charles and Mystic rivers for heating and cooling needs.

By Sarah Shemkus . 17 August 2026
Energy efficiency

Massachusetts embraces backyard homes as housing and climate solution

The state needs more housing, fast. ADUs offer a path forward — and their compact, sometimes all-electric designs offer lower energy bills and carbon emissions.

By Sarah Shemkus . 4 August 2026
Nuclear

‘It’ll take more’: CFS nets another $1B to chase nuclear fusion dream

Commonwealth Fusion Systems has now raised a total of $4B to commercialize its nuclear fusion technology. It aims to bring its pilot reactor online next year.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 30 July 2026
Electric vehicles

Solar-powered EV carshare pilot launches in Massachusetts

The aim? To expand access to electric vehicles among lower-income residents of Massachusetts, which has big EV dreams as it tries to decarbonize.

By Sarah Shemkus . 28 July 2026
Batteries

Startup offers low-cost home batteries to Massachusetts residents

The subscription-based approach aims to make it easier and more affordable to get a backup battery in your home. And it might be catching on.

By Sarah Shemkus . 21 July 2026
Utilities

Massachusetts bill would end a costly gas pipeline repair program

Utilities say the GSEP program is essential for safety and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but critics contend it costs too much and achieves too little.

By Sarah Shemkus . 20 July 2026
Energy equity

Massachusetts lawmakers try new way to kill ‘zombie’ wood power plant

Both chambers passed bills to stymie a key revenue source for the proposed polluting plant, but so far its developer hasn't flinched.

By Sarah Shemkus . 16 July 2026