Maine – Clean Energy CorridorKey state permits obtained

The transmission line project designed to deliver 1,200 megawatts of renewable hydropower to the New England energy grid in Lewiston, Maine, has been approved by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The decision follows a rigorous, two-year process and confirms that the project meets—or exceeds—all standards set out by the environmental agency.

With permits from the Land Use and Planning Commission in January 2020 and the Public Utilities Commission in April 2019, the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) project has met all of the requirements of the licensing process thus far, obtaining key permits in the State of Maine. Authorizations from the Army Corps of engineers; the New England ISO and the Department of Energy (Presidential Permit) are still to come. Various municipal approvals in Maine must also be obtained.

For its part, Hydro-Québec hopes to obtain the permits required for the transmission line to be built in Quebec by the end of 2020 and to begin construction north of the border in spring 2021.

Once built, the NECEC will be the region's largest source of renewable energy, making it possible for Maine and the rest of New England to significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and cut energy costs.

Project overview

The line will have a capacity of 1,200 MW.
In Québec, the route crosses through the Appalaches MRC and Du Granit MRC over a distance of approximately 100 km. The future line will be combined with one or more existing lines over 73% of its length.
In Maine, the route covers 233 km, from the border to the city of Lewiston in southern Maine. Two-thirds of the route follows an existing right-of-way.
Commissioning of the NECEC line is slated for fall 2022.

Informations :

Lynn St-Laurent
Spokesperson, Hydro-Québec
514-358-5218 (c) / 514-289-5005