New York State signs 25-year contract with Hydro-Quebec as the state moves away from fossil fuel energy
New York State has awarded a 25-year contract to Hydro-Québec, the provincially-owned company's largest export contract.
Starting in 2025, Hydro-Québec will supply nearly 1,250 megawatts of hydroelectricity, which represents the electrical consumption of about one million homes.
Fossil fuels account for nearly 85 per cent of the region's electricity supply. The state wants renewable energy to account for 70 percent of its energy consumption by 2030.
The announcement was made by Governor Kathy Hochul during New York's Climate Week.
"New York State is taking a bold step toward decarbonization," said Hydro-Québec President and CEO Sophie Brochu in a statement.
Hydro-Quebec did not disclose the potential revenue it would receive from the contract, but it could be worth tens of billions.
On Twitter, Premier François Legault called it a "deal in principle worth over $20 billion over 25 years."
"This is huge news for the environment. Fossil fuel energy will be replaced by renewable energy," said the premier.
This is the largest export contract in Hydro-Québec's history. Massachusetts has already signed a 20-year agreement for 9.45 terawatts.
The Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project involves the construction of approximately 545 kilometres of underground and sub-river transmission line between the Canada-U.S. border and New York City.
A 60-kilometre portion will also be built in Quebec. The Quebec-owned corporation will co-own this portion with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK), the elected body of the Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) community on Montreal's South Shore.
The MCK said in a news release that New York wanted to "ensure its selection would not impede Indigenous rights."
“This is an historic accomplishment for Kahnawà:ke and a huge step forward regarding the relationship with Hydro-Québec," said MCK grand chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer. "It is proof that when Kahnawà:ke’s rights and interests are considered in a meaningful way, it provides an opportunity for a valuable and innovative alliance."
The hydro line will be built on disputed territory that is the subject of an ongoing Kahnawake land grievance.
Hydro-Québec spokesperson Lynn St-Laurent said the contract is a "win-win for Quebec and New York."
"Not only does it provide a new source of revenue for the utility, but it also allows New York State to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. It's a huge climate gain," she added. "Greenhouse gases know no borders, so what's good for our neighbours is good for Quebecers."
Hydro-Québec's project avoids the emission of 3.9 million metric tons of greenhouse gases.
"It's like taking 44 per cent of the vehicles in New York City off the road," says St-Laurent.
"This is great news for the environment," said Quebec Environment Minister Benoit Charrette. "Quebec is fully assuming its leadership in the fight against climate change. We are gradually realizing our desire to become the battery of the northeastern United States."
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Sept. 20, 2021.
-- with reporting from CTV Montreal's Daniel J. Rowe.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Hamas rocket attack from Gaza sets off air raid sirens in Tel Aviv for the first time in months
Hamas fired a barrage of rockets from Gaza that set off air raid sirens as far away as Tel Aviv for the first time in months on Sunday in a show of resilience more than seven months into Israel's massive air, sea and ground offensive.
Grayson Murray, two-time PGA Tour winner, dead at 30
Two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray died Saturday morning at age 30, one day after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge at Colonial.
This type of screen time has the worst effect on kids: experts
According to some experts, there is one type of screen time that is continuously excessive, and it's having a severe effect on our children.
Blaine Higgs 'furious' over sexual education presentation
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has shared his anger on social media over a presentation in at least four high schools.
Trump confronts repeated boos during raucous Libertarian convention speech
Donald Trump was booed repeatedly while addressing Saturday night’s Libertarian Party National Convention.
Indianapolis 500 delayed as strong storm forces fans to evacuate Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The start of the Indianapolis 500 was delayed as a strong storm pushed through the area Sunday, forcing Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials to evacuate about 125,000 fans who had already arrived for "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
Driver, 18, gets $3,000 ticket, 32 demerit points after speeding on Laval boulevard
A young driver received a hefty fine from Laval police after they say he was driving nearly 100 km/h over the posted speed limit.
At least 9 dead in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after severe weather roars across region
Powerful storms killed at least nine people and left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after obliterating homes and destroying a truck stop where drivers took shelter during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
As Canada warms, infectious disease risks spread north
Cases of Lyme disease have now increased more than 1,000 per cent in a decade as the warming climate pushes the boundaries of a range of pathogens and risk factors northward.