Canadian utility Hydro Québec on June 1 reported that it made its first electricity deliveries under an agreement signed with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in November 2021.
The transmission line that is delivering the electricity -- the Champlain Hudson Power Express --was built through a partnership between Hydro Québec and its U.S. partner Transmission Developers Inc. (TDI) and stretches more than 600 kilometers between the Hertel substation in La Prairie in Quebec and Astoria substation in Queens, N.Y.
“It is the longest HVDC underground and underwater power cable in North America. With a transmission capacity of 1,250 megawatts, the line represents a major infrastructure asset for energy exchanges between the two power systems,” Hydro Québec said.
Projected revenue from electricity sales to New York State is estimated at US$34 billion over the life of the contract, the Canadian utility said.
"The agreement also provides significant flexibility, allowing volumes to be adjusted in line with system operating conditions, particularly during periods of high demand. Québec’s electricity needs remain the priority," Hydro Québec said.
Over the longer term, the line will be able to operate in both directions, making it possible to import electricity into Québec or support the integration of additional renewable energy sources across the region.
For New York, this supply of renewable electricity will help replace a significant share of generation from thermal power plants, Hydro Québec added.
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke will become a co-owner of the Québec portion of the transmission line. This agreement will enable the community to benefit from long-term economic returns over a 40 year period, based on revenues tied to the use of the infrastructure.
"This collaborative, benefit-sharing approach is part of Hydro Québec’s economic reconciliation efforts and has helped establish a foundation for future partnerships with Indigenous communities," Hydro Québec said.
