Construction has begun at a Con Ed facility in Queens for the Champlain Hudson Power Express project, which aims to bring hydroelectric power from Quebec, Canada to New York City. This underground transmission line will significantly reduce polluting emissions and provide clean energy to thousands of homes.
The project was celebrated with a ceremonial groundbreaking, attended by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Quebec’s Premier Francois Legault. Governor Hochul stated that the transmission line would go unnoticed by the public while powering an estimated one million homes in the city.
A crucial part of the project is the construction of a new substation in Con Ed’s facility in Astoria, Queens. This substation will convert the hydroelectric power from Quebec into usable electricity for homes throughout the city. Premier Legault emphasized the mutual benefits of the project, with Quebec potentially becoming the “green battery” of eastern North America.
The Champlain Hudson Power Express is being carried out by Transmission Developers, a company owned by the private equity firm Blackstone. Its CEO, Justin Sauber, expressed his optimism about the project, considering it a significant first step towards transitioning to renewable energy. Sauber acknowledged the challenges of transitioning away from cheaper fossil fuels but believes this project will generate momentum and demonstrate the viability of renewable energy for the long term.
New York State has set an ambitious goal of producing 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The construction and operation of the Champlain Hudson Power Express will contribute significantly to achieving this goal.
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