A group of companies has filed a proposal to diversify New England’s energy supply via the Vermont Green Line transmission project. The partners say the proposal, dubbed “The Wind and Hydro Response,” is designed to fit the request by Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts for more clean power.
U.S.-based wind developer Invenergy has signed up to deliver its renewable energy to the ISO New England bulk transmission system through the Vermont Green Line. Specifically, the company proposes to build the Bull Run Energy Center, a wind project located approximately 20 miles northwest of Plattsburgh, N.Y., that could provide up to 400 MW.
Meanwhile, Hydro-Quebec, North America’s largest generator of hydropower, would supplement the wind energy with 400 MW of new Quebec hydropower.
The Vermont Green Line is being developed by Anbaric and National Grid, which joined forces in 2014 to develop transmission lines to bring renewable energy into New England. The proposed 60-mile, 400 MW Vermont Green Line is designed to link Beekmantown, N.Y., with New Haven, Vt., via a cable to be buried along public roadways and submerged beneath the waters of Lake Champlain.
According to the companies, the Vermont Green Line will deliver enough clean electricity to power 400,000 homes and is expected to save New England energy customers $500 million.
“Invenergy works to solve the energy challenges that face our communities, and we are proud to work with Hydro-Quebec, Anbaric and National Grid on this exciting opportunity in New England,” says Kevin Parzyck, Invenergy’s vice president of development. “Combining wind generation with firming hydro will positively transform energy supply in the region.”
