Massachusetts Continues to Pursue Large Hydro Import Initiative

Massachusetts state energy officials will travel to Canada this week to tour large hydro facilities, "furthering Massachusetts' efforts at expanding large hydro imports."

Upon invitation from hydroelectric companies NalCor and Hydro Quebec, and as a follow-up to Governor Deval Patrick’s recent visit to Quebec for the 37th annual New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Conference, Massachusetts energy officials will tour facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec.

"Large hydro will play a critical role in advancing our clean energy revolution, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions," said Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan. "We look forward to meeting with our Canadian partners to explore every option available to import large hydro to Massachusetts. Working together with our international and regional partners on global energy challenges, we can achieve economies of scale that will benefit us all."

"Electricity consumers in Massachusetts will benefit from the Patrick Administration’s efforts to diversify sources of electricity supply, including the importation of hydropower from Canada. These facilities are relatively clean, emitting few air pollutants and greenhouse gases," said Robert K. Kaufmann, Professor, Boston University’s Department of Earth and Environment. "Including hydroelectric power in the mix of fuels used to generate electricity will dampen price shocks that occur as part of volatile energy markets, whether involving natural gas, oil, or coal."