In a landmark decision made today, the New York City Department of Public Service voted to expand the state’s clean energy standard to accelerate decarbonization of the electricity grid. In doing so, New York authorities recognize that all types of hydropower, including Quebec hydropower, are clean and renewable energy sources that can help the state meet its climate change goals.
Today’s decision creates an additional category called “Tier 4†under the clean energy standard. Under the new Tier 4, existing hydropower is eligible for renewable energy credits when delivered directly to New York City.
New York has set some of the most ambitious decarbonisation goals in the United States: to power the state with 70% renewable energy by 2030 and ensure 100% renewable energy on the grid by 2040. However, around 70% of Downstate New York’s electricity needs are currently met by burning fossil fuels. After the closure of the Indian Point nuclear power plant in 2021, 86% of Downstate’s electricity needs would be met by burning fossil fuels.
Currently, due to transmission constraints, Hydro-Québec can only deliver energy to northern New York State, which already has a large supply of renewable energy. With today’s decision, the considerable environmental and reliability benefits of a new transmission interconnection between the Quebec hydroelectric network and New York City will be made possible.
“We are very encouraged by this decision,“said Sophie Brochu, CEO of Hydro-Québec.”We are already helping the state reduce its emissions through our exports, but we can do much more with a new transport interconnector, to decarbonize New York: today, thanks to large volumes of clean energy that will replace fuels. fossils, and in the future as a balancing source for wind and solar located in New York.“
A solicitation under the new level 4 will be launched within 60 days. Hydro-Québec intends to participate and will offer all its support to New Yorkers in achieving their decarbonisation objectives.
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