NYSERDA finalizes contracts for Clean Path, Champlain Hudson Power Express renewable energy projects
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced this week finalized contracts between the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Clean Path New York LLC, and H.Q. Energy Services.
The Clean Path NY and Champlain Hudson Power Express projects will provide renewable solar, wind, and hydroelectric power from upstate New York and Canada to New York City. These contracts should yield up to $7.4 billion in overall benefits to the state, including the reductions to greenhouse gas and general air quality improvements, according to NYSERDA. Along the way, they also stand to inject $8.2 billion of economic development into New York.
In all, they will represent the largest transmission projects for New York in the last 50 years.
“The stakes have never been higher for New York as we confront the effects of climate change and the economic and environmental destruction that extreme weather events leave behind,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “This announcement not only accelerates our pace to achieving the goal for having 70 percent of New York State’s energy to come from renewable resources, we’re also creating sustainable jobs, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and paving the way for cleaner air and a healthier future for all New Yorkers.”
These efforts will boost the state on its goal to achieve 70 percent renewables sourcing for its electricity by 2030, by reducing New York City’s fossil fuel use for electricity by more than 80 percent. This will be paired with other clean energy and offshore wind efforts. New York City itself will contribute approximately $1 billion to the effort, and NYSERDA will offer renewable attributes from these projects for voluntary purchase by local organizations interested in switching to clean energy.
As part of these projects, Hydro-Quebec will purchase electricity from the planned Apuiat wind farm in Québec and enter into joint ownership with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke of the line connecting the CHPE with its power sources in Québec. Underground transmission lines will also be deployed to avoid, minimize and mitigate potential environmental damages in the region.
“If the largest city in the nation can rely on clean energy for power, any place can,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “New York is proving it’s possible to combat global warming and fight for climate justice by investing in water, wind, and solar energy. This is how we reduce fossil fuels, create thousands of union jobs, and build a sustainable future for all New Yorkers. It’s a historic day for our city and state.”
Both contracts have been submitted to the Public Service Commission for approval. If greenlit, the CHPE project is expected to enter service in 2025, followed by the CPNY project in 2027.
