New York City took advantage of Earth Day to outline its desire to become carbon neutral by 2050, a decision from which Quebec could benefit.
The mayor of the American metropolis, Bill de Blasio, unveiled, Monday, an ambitious green plan in several parts, which includes the construction of a power line to connect New York to Canadian hydroelectric sources.
“The City, in collaboration with its partners, wants to develop a 100% carbon neutral electricity supply. […] Negotiations will begin immediately, with the objective of signing an agreement by the end of 2020 and to supply the City’s facilities entirely with renewable sources within 5 years ”, reads a summary of the New New York City Green Accord, unveiled Monday.
The amount of energy required will be significant. “[Elle] is the equivalent of converting the entire state of Vermont to green energy, ”the City said.
- LISTEN to Michel Girard’s column on this subject on the show Dutrizac 6 to 9 on QUB radio:
Rejoicing in Quebec
To achieve this, the City mentions the development of wind and solar energy sources, as well as the purchase of “Canadian hydroelectricity”, without specifically specifying Quebec.
Hydro-Québec nevertheless welcomed the intentions of the American metropolis. “Hydro-Quebec welcomes the commitment of the City of New York and will be happy to continue discussions with the objective of signing a 100% hydropower supply agreement,” said the state-owned company. from his Twitter account.
The news was also highlighted by Prime Minister François Legault. “WOW! The Mayor of New York announces the relaunch of negotiations with Hydro-Quebec, [qui] can become the green battery of Northeast America, ”he exclaimed on Twitter.
In terms of energy, New York currently derives 23% of its electricity from renewable sources and wants to increase this rate to 50% by 2030, then to 100% by 2040.
More generally, the plan unveiled on Monday indicates that New York wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050.
–
