The Quebec government approved construction of the Appalaches-Maine Interconnection Line project to export HydroQuébec power to New England.

Cross-border project still requires OK from Canada Energy Regulator

Quebec government has approved construction of the Appalaches– Maine Interconnection Line project to export Hydro-Quebec power to New England.

The project will increase the exchange capacity between Quebec and Maine by 1,200 megawatts.

It will connect with the New England Clean Energy Connect project and supply Massachusetts with 9.45 terawatt-hours and Maine with 0.5 TWh of Quebec power per year for 20 years.

The project still requires approval by the Canada Energy Regulator because the power line is part of a transborder initiative. A CER ruling is expected in the spring, which would allow work to begin soon after.

“Today, we have reached a major milestone in this project, which will have a significant impact in the fight against climate change and generate economic benefits for both Quebecers and our neighbours to the south,” Hydro-Québec CEO Sophie Brochu said in a statement.