Hydro-Québec has been selected as the successful applicant to provide 9.45 terawatts of clean energy to utilities in Massachusetts, which will help the state enhance reliability and contribute to its greenhouse gas reduction requirements.
The Northern Pass Transmission project was selected to deliver 100 per cent hydropower by the Massachusetts evaluation team after a competitive solicitation process. The next steps are to negotiate long-term contracts and obtain regulatory approval of agreements to ensure the delivery of this large volume of power for 20 years.
“We are pleased and proud to have been selected,” said Éric Martel, president and chief executive officer of Hydro-Québec. “This is a major milestone in the energy transition underway in the Northeast, one that confirms the high value of Hydro-Québec’s clean and reliable energy. We’re confident negotiations with Massachusetts will lead to an agreement that is beneficial to all parties.”
Historic agreement
The numerous attributes of Hydro-Québec hydropower are extremely well suited to contribute to the current and evolving energy needs of Massachusetts and New England. Starting in 2020, Québec hydropower will provide a clean, firm, reliable supply for some one million Massachusetts customers. This represents significant progress towards a clean energy future for the Northeast.
A long-term agreement with Massachusetts would be the most important contract for Hydro-Québec since it began developing its export markets. Moreover, it will be a meaningful source of revenue for Hydro Quebec.
Northern Pass Transmission
Hydro-Québec developed this proposal alongside Eversource Energy. The project involves the construction of a 1090-megawatt transmission line approximately 79 kilometres long. This line will be extended into the U.S.A. and will connect Des Cantons substation in Val-Joli to Franklin substation in southern New Hampshire.
“We are pleased with the decision announced today, and appreciate the thorough review by the Massachusetts’ bid evaluation team,” said Eversource president and CEO Jim Judge. “The clean, affordable power flowing over Northern Pass into the New England grid in 2020 will provide customers in the Commonwealth and throughout the region with much-needed energy price relief and emissions reductions and will deliver significant economic and environmental benefits to the region for years to come.”
Hydro-Québec will invest over C$680 million for the Québec portion of the transmission project, consisting of construction of a new transmission line and equipment additions in the Des Cantons substation.
On March 31, 2017, Massachusetts electric distribution companies issued an RFP for a large quantity — 9.45 TWh — of firm clean energy, to help enhance reliability and reach its greenhouse gas reduction targets. The goals of the Massachusetts RFP were set out in the state’s Act to Promote Energy Diversity, passed in August 2016. The Act also established the foundations for New England’s transition to a clean energy future. It requires electric utilities to use clean energy from diverse sources, including hydropower and wind power firmed up by hydropower.
