Maritime Link/Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Project
The Maritime Link, an overland and subsea transmission cable, will give Nova Scotia access to hydroelectric power from the Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Project. This connection will provide Nova Scotia with a minimum of 900 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity per year as part of the base energy block. It is anticipated that this Link will also deliver an additional 1,200 to 2,000 GWh per year of electricity that will be available at competitive market-based pricing. When combined, this represents 8% to 20% of the province's electricity needs. The Maritime Link will also create a second interconnection point to the North American grid, increasing reliability by establishing an electrical loop. The first power from the project is expected in 2017. To learn more visit www.emeranl.com
As a result of this historical agreement between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotians could see noticeable economic, environmental, and social benefits, including 35 years of clean energy and price stability for Nova Scotia rate payers.
The UARB approved a submission from Emera and Nalcor in November 2013, stating it met the conditions the Board insisted upon when the project was given a conditional approval in July 2013.
On November 26, 2014, the governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, and NSP Maritime Link Inc., a subsidiary of Emera, signed an industrial and employment benefits agreement for the Maritime Link Project. The agreement is based on terms in the interprovincial Memorandum of Understanding signed by the provinces in late 2011.
The agreement includes commitments to the following:
• Equal opportunities for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador businesses and residents.
• A fair, open and transparent procurement and contracting process for suppliers and contractors in both provinces.
• Funding for training and development positions that align with the specialized nature of the Maritime Link Project.
• Educational sponsorships to be allocated between universities in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to support Maritime Link related technologies.
• Tracking and reporting updates of data related to economic and employment benefits for both provinces.
Read the press release here.