Hydro: negotiations progress with New York, says Minister of Energy

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Remember that this follows the intention expressed in the spring by the mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio, to obtain more hydroelectricity from Quebec in order to reduce his city’s greenhouse gas emissions. New York could thus sign a contract of up to 5 terawatts / hour (tWh).

“There are more steps being taken,” Julien told The Canadian Press at the end of the cabinet meeting on Wednesday afternoon.

Thus, discussions are progressing to have Quebec hydropower recognized as renewable and green energy. “This recognition is progressing well, which will make all the difference,” he continued.

He said that two days before his visit, the president of Hydro-Quebec, Éric Martel, had also gone to New York.

Mr. Julien was in the metropolis as part of “Climate Week”, this vast summit on the environment coordinated in particular by the United Nations (UN).

In May, Prime Minister François Legault also flew to New York to sell surplus electricity from Hydro-Quebec. He had suggested that any contract to sell these surpluses at a rate that is greater than zero cents per kilowatt / hour is advantageous for the Crown corporation.

The Quebec government corporation estimated its energy surplus at 12.6 TWh for 2019.

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