Hydro-Québec Obtains Final Environmental Authorizations for 1,250 MW New York Clean Power Interconnection

MONTREAL, QC — Hydro-Québec and the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs announced the issuance of final provincial environmental certificates of authorization for the 58-kilometer underground and submarine Hertel-New York high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line.

Exporting 1,250 Megawatts of Clean Hydro Power to Decarbonize New York City

The environmental approvals clear the final regulatory hurdle on the Canadian side of the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) megaproject, a 339-mile buried transmission corridor connecting Hydro-Québec’s clean hydroelectric reservoirs directly to the New York City power grid in Queens. The cross-border transmission link will deliver 10.4 terawatt-hours of clean baseload electricity annually, reducing New York City's fossil fuel dependence by 20% while generating hundreds of millions in annual export revenues for Quebec.

Premier François Legault and Hydro-Québec CEO Michael Sabia emphasized that the Champlain Hudson interconnection cements Quebec's role as the green battery of northeastern North America.

Indigenous Co-Ownership and Environmental Safeguards

The transmission project incorporates a 50-year commercial partnership with the Kahnawà:ke Mohawk community, securing direct long-term equity revenues for Indigenous economic development.

Environmental monitors confirmed all underwater cable burial routes adhere to strict fish habitat protections in the Richelieu River.

Commercial In-Service Target

The Hertel-New York HVDC interconnection remains on schedule to begin commercial clean electricity transmission in late 2026.