BC's Northwest Transmission Line Project to receive up to $130 million under the Green Infrastructure Fund
Almost one year ago, British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell announced that the Province would start the environmental assessment process and First Nations consultation on the Northwest Transmission Line, which consists of a 287 kV line which would extend 335 kilometres into the Northwest portion of the province from Terrace to Meziadin Junction and north to Bob Quinn Lake.
The estimated $404 million project which is expected to be ready for construction in early 2010 has been given a serious boost as a result of yesterday's announcement by the federal government that it has been selected as a priority for funding of up to $130 million under the Green Infrastructure Fund, conditional upon the signing of a contribution agreement with the British Columbia government under the fund.
The Northwest Transmission Line will provide multiple benefits:
As the area surrounding the project has a significant potential to generate green power, local communities will be able to access clean electricity in the future, reducing their reliance on diesel generation and resulting greenhouse gas emissions. There is currently an estimated 2,000 MW of renewable energy in the area from small hydro, geothermal, wind and biomass sources and the project could immediately serve a number of potential generation projects representing approximately 500 MW being considered under British Columbia's current Clean Power Call.
The project also provides access to the electricity grid for potential customers, which in turn will support and promote economic diversification in the area. According to the Mining Association of BC, the project has the potential to attract $15 billion in new capital investments and create almost 11,000 jobs.
Lastly, construction of the transmission line will be a key step in a potential interconnection between southeast Alaska and the North American transmission grid via British Columbia.