Emera’s Atlantic Link Proposal Includes Five N.B. Wind Farms, Hydro Supplier
BOSTON – Emera is proposing to supply clean energy to Massachusetts from seven wind farms (five in New Brunswick) and two hydro suppliers, the company announced late last week.
The power would be transferred from Colson Cove in Saint John to Plymouth, Massachusetts via the Atlantic Link, a proposed 375-mile, high-voltage undersea cable.
Emera is promising to deliver 5.69 terawatt hours (TWh) of clean energy annually for a price that remains fixed for 20 years, said Chris Huskilson, President and CEO of Emera Inc.
“The fixed pricing for the supply of long term clean energy represents compelling value for Massachusetts electricity customers,” said Huskilson in a release.
“We are pleased to bring this opportunity forward to help Massachusetts meet its energy diversity and greenhouse gas emissions reduction objectives. This project also benefits Massachusetts and Atlantic Canada in terms of construction related jobs and increased economic activity.”
Rick Doucet, Energy and Resource Development Minister, said the provincial government is excited by the opportunity to create jobs and economic development opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
“This proposal represents an incredible opportunity for New Brunswick to capitalize on its resources to provide clean, renewable energy,” said Doucet in a release. “Responsible resource development has the potential to create jobs and help grow our economy.”
As part of its proposal, Emera would obtain its energy from 1,200 MW of capacity from five new wind farms to be built by independent developers in New Brunswick and two in Nova Scotia. Wind would provide more than 70 per cent of the supply with hydro providing the balance.
Two of the wind farms in New Brunswick would be constructed by RES Canada in Silver Brook and Colborne; two by Enercon/Natural Forces in Andy’s Pond and Salmon River; and one in Black Spruce by SWEB/Black & McDonald.
NB Power, which holds an option to participate in the Atlantic Link as a minority investor, would be one of two suppliers of hydro power. The project represents an opportunity for NB Power to create additional revenue through transmission tariffs or renewable energy generation sales through hydro generation.
The proposal for Atlantic Link, including the clean energy to be delivered on the transmission line, is in response to the Massachusetts Clean Energy RFP.
Under the Massachusetts Clean Energy RFP, the state’s electric utilities have called for approximately 9.45 terawatt hours of wind and/or hydro energy.
The proposals submitted to the Massachusetts electric utilities will be reviewed over the coming months, with a decision expected by January 2018.
RELATED: The Atlantic Link Project: What’s Next?