Department of Energy approves presidential permit for proposed Northern Pass Transmission Line project
The Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Record of Decision and approved the Presidential permit Thursday for the proposed Northern Pass Transmission Line project, which would deliver up to 1090 megawatts (MW) of hydropower from Quebec, Canada to Deerfield, New Hampshire.
The $1.6 billion Northern Pass project, a 192-mile above and below ground, alternating and direct current transmission system, was first proposed in 2010.
“Smart energy infrastructure development projects like Northern Pass – which support a reliable and resilient grid, promote economic growth, lower energy costs and benefit the environment we all share – shouldn’t take this long to approve,” Energy Secretary Rick Perry said. “This Administration is committed to improving our nation’s energy infrastructure while also reforming the federal permitting process so that projects like Northern Pass receive full, and prompt, consideration.”
The approval of the presidential permit allows the transmission line to cross the international border and connect to the U.S. grid.
According to Northern Pass, construction of the transmission system will create an estimated 2,600 American jobs and provide over $600 million in annual energy cost savings for New England consumers. Construction of the line is expected to begin as early as April 2018, pending approval by the State of New Hampshire’s Site Evaluation Committee.