Hydro-Québec and Eversource Energy are working together to build the Northern Pass Transmission project, which will export 1,000 MW of hydropower from Québec’s generation fleet to New England. The project will increase clean energy trade between the Northeast U.S. and Eastern Canadian electricity markets, a primary goal of the New England Governors and the Eastern Canadian Premiers.
This continued commitment follows the recent announcement by Eversource of its Forward NH Plan that addresses feedback from New Hampshire stakeholders, the issuance by the U.S. Department of Energy of a favorable draft Environmental Impact Statement, and in anticipation of the Clean Energy and Transmission Request for Proposals (Clean Energy RFP).
“Eversource will be our partner in the offering of new, clean energy that will be delivered to the New England power system through the innovative approach of the Clean Energy RFP,” said Eric Martel, Hydro-Québec’s CEO. “We are confident that the Northern Pass project will be the leading solution for delivering significant reliability, environmental, and economic benefits to both New England and Eastern Canada.”
Clean energy from Hydro-Québec will help to solve the unique energy challenges facing the New England power system, including the region’s reliance on natural gas for power generation and its need to expand use of renewable energy. Using new HVDC technology, the view impacts of Northern Pass will be reduced, while still providing energy cost savings and much-needed clean, reliable energy to the region. As the project’s comprehensive public permitting process moves forward, Eversource is continuing its outreach and soliciting additional feedback from New Hampshire stakeholders. Northern Pass will soon file for New Hampshire state siting approval. Hydro-Québec is pursuing a similar permitting process to construct a transmission line in Canada to connect its generation to Northern Pass at the border.
Hydro-Québec has also committed to the development of an energy verification and tracking process. This effort will ensure that clean energy is delivered to the jurisdictions that purchase it, a vital element of the Clean Energy RFP.
