Construction begins on 546 km of Quebec-New York transmission line

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Albany, N.Y. — Construction has begun on an underground power line that will export Hydro-Québec’s electricity to New York City as part of an effort to reduce the Big Apple’s reliance on fossil fuels, state officials said Wednesday.

When completed, the Champlain Hudson Power Express will extend 546 kilometers from Hydro-Québec’s Hartel Station in La Prairie, just south of Montreal, to New York City.

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Officials estimate the line will provide enough clean energy to power more than one million homes while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 37 million tons.

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“As construction begins on this project that will help bring clean energy to New York City, our state is giving yet another example of what climate action can look like,” said New York Governor Cathy. Hochul said Wednesday. She called the power line “a monumental step toward protecting our environment, supporting families and creating green jobs in both upstate and upstate New York.” I called.

New York is no stranger to renewable resources such as solar power plants and hydroelectric dams, but powering New York City in the south can be a challenge. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the transmission line will pass under Lake Champlain and the Hudson River and continue south along the existing highway.

SNC-Lavalin was selected in April to provide technical oversight and coordination of the US cable and conversion station design.

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The state has set a goal of 70% of its electricity coming from renewable sources by 2030. Project proponents said the transmission lines that move electricity from where it is generated to where it is consumed are critical to the effort.

Transmission Developers CEO Donald Jessome said: , spearheading the project.

The state’s move toward access to more clean energy is one of the support of environmental advocates, but some of the power lines pass through rivers, raising concerns about potential wildlife impacts. I am expressing.

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“We are big proponents of renewable energy,” said Tracy Brown, president of the environmental group Riverkeeper. If the cable is to be laid down the Hudson River as planned, it calls for it to be rooted in the center of the river, far from the edges where there are important habitats for wildlife. “

Brown said it was important for construction to minimize harm to already vulnerable Hudson River species.

Transmission Developers, which has spent nearly a decade planning the project, will begin construction near Whitehall, a village in upstate New York about 127 kilometers north of Albany.