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March 25, 2009

Energy corridor planned for ME, N.B.

By The Mainebiz News Staff

Gov. John Baldacci and New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham today announced plans to develop a Northeast Energy Corridor that would link the Canadian Maritimes and Maine.

The first phase of the 1,200-1,500-megawatt transmission line and power plant concept would require $2 billion in investment and could create thousands of jobs in Maine and Canada, the Canadian television station CBC News reported. Irving Oil said today that it is beginning a technical and commercial study on the first phase of the power corridor, which the company says will transmit electricity from a variety of renewable sources, including wind and natural gas.

The corridor would eventually include pipelines, although the first phase would focus on transmission lines, the news station reported. "Great potential exists for Maine and New Brunswick to grow and share clean, renewable energy," Gov. Baldacci said in a statement. "Exploring the potential for private investment in the Northeast Energy Corridor is a vital next step to realizing our shared goals of achieving energy independence, accessing reliable and affordable energy, and reducing carbon emissions on both sides of the border."

Reader comments

From Peter

Unless you are referring to biogas -- methane and the like produced from gargbage and other types of waste -- natural gas is not a renewable resource: "...which the company says will transmit electricity from a variety of renewable sources, including wind and natural gas."

If this new transmission line will improve the grid capacity problem that is currently limiting the development of new renewable power projects in Maine, then that's good news. If it's just a way to create a need for an LNG plant on the coast of Maine, then this is a step in the wrong direction.

From Paul

The new energy corridor will support the transmission of pleantiful renewable electricity from Canada to Maine and New England; It will promote development of renewable energy in Maine and NB including Wind, Tidal, and Biomass energy models. Also the development of Tri-Generation Eco-Energy-Parks (natural gas and biomass fuels as suitable) supplying low cost electricity and thermal energy (heating & cooling) to park tenants. Excess electricty will be distribute via the new corridor. Natural Gas is part of our regions overall strategic energy plan and is a transistional energy source. We are at war on energy and need to use all energy sources based on "Suitability to Application" (i.e. biomass can not be used everywhere, nor can wind). Natural Gas in the Tri-Generation and Cogeneration Energy Models per the US EPA produces 25% less harmful emmissions per unit of energy create than traditional Separate Heat and Power energy models utilized today. Our electricity rates for Maine Businesses and citizens will become lower and stable by the reliable, consistent supply of Natural Gas and increased renewable energy sources connected to the new Energy Corridor.

Respectfully.

From Stephen

Electricity generation is not the problem. Only 15% of our energy use is electricity. Transporation and heating processes represent 85% of energy use. Hybrid vehicles, shifting from oil fired heat to solar radiant, ground source heat pumps, high efficiency LP gas boilers, pellet boilers, buying local, insulation, conservation should be the focus, not wasting rate payers and tax payer dollars on transmission lines for wind turbines that make unreliable electricity for $100 per MW when the existing grid is paying $40 per MW for conventional generation.  

From Molly

The power from the Stetson Mt. windfarm, New England's largest, was scheduled to go to Canada in the winter and Mass. in the summer. Only problem..there is no room on the New England grid for said power. Despite the fact that Gov. Baldaci celebrated the opening of First Wind's Stetson wind farm. Their own web site says it is operational ...not operating. Let's have better planning instead of following a criminal corporation waving money in front of politicians. They do not provide electricity in any significant amount. First Wind's Hawaai wind farm has reached 9% of promised power. Many think Cohocton isn't operating as well as Stetson. Flim Flam Man , the sequel brought to you by ME state govt.  

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