Whereas the proposed largely-overhead Northern Pass transmission line faces lawsuits, unprecedented opposition in its quest to find a buildable route and necessary permits, an underground alternative in Vermont is moving ahead.
Backers of a proposed 1,000 megawatt (MW) underground and underwater transmission line from eastern Canada to power markets in the U.S. cleared a key regulatory hurdle after the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a presidential permit authorizing construction of the project.
Transmission Developers Inc. (TDI), owned by Blackstone Portfolio, announced it had received the permit last week for the 154-mile, $1.2 billion power line, called the New England Clean Power Link. The line will connect Hydro Quebec’s hydro and wind resources to load centers in the United States, including in Vermont and Massachusetts.
“This interconnection is a vital link that will unleash low-carbon, cost-effective electricity from Canada for the benefit of New England, replacing fossil fuel generators and lowering energy prices,” said TDI CEO Donald Jessom in a statement. Jessom said construction could start in late June 2017 or early 2018.
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