New York solidifies $4.5 B hydropower plans
USA, New York: The Big Apple takes a big step with a $4.5 B transmission line that will deliver Canadian hydropower to New York City.
Image source: GO Banking Rates
USA, New York: The Big Apple takes a big step with a $4.5 B transmission line that will deliver Canadian hydropower to New York City.
The move, announced on 14 April, is considered a key part of New York State’s initiative to eliminate carbon from its power grid by 2040, the source reported. Called the Champlain Hudson Power Express, the 545 km (339 mi) line should be completed in 2025, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in statement.
In a related move, the state’s Public Service Commission also approved Clean Path NY, a green energy project that comprises more than 20 wind and solar farms and a second transmission line.
New York City currently gets about 85 % of its electricity from burning fossil fuels — a percentage environmental authorities say needs to be brought way down. Previously, efforts to use more renewable energy sources have been hindered by a lack of transmission lines, the source noted.
The Champlain Hudson Power Express solves that problem, but not everyone is happy about it. The Riverkeeper environmental group has pushed back against the hydropower project because of its focus on using river water rather than other sources of clean energy such as solar or wind.
However, supporters point out that the two projects approved last week are expected to reduce the city’s reliance on fossil fuels by more than 50 % in 2030.
“Today’s historic decision by the Public Service Commission is a game-changer for New York’s transition away from fossil fuels,” Doreen Harris, president of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, said in the statement.
Source: GO Banking Rates
#carbon emissions reduction#hydropower#New York#transmission line#USA