Feds put $50M into 17 km P.E.I. power cable project
by Cleantech Canada Staff
Two high-voltage transmission cables will stretch across the sea floor of the Northumberland Strait.
SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I.—The federal government has pledged $50 million in funding for improvements to electricity supply infrastructure in Prince Edward Island.
The money will fund the installation of two high-voltage transmission cables across the Northumberland Strait.
The 180-megawatt transmission cables will span 17 kilometres under water and are expected to reduce reliance on generators by residents and businesses on the island province. The new installation will replace cables that were installed in 1977 and are nearing the end of their lifespan.
“The Northumberland Strait Power Cable Project will help ensure that the supply of electricity to Prince Edward Island residents is stable,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Regional Minister for Prince Edward Island and Member of Parliament for Egmont. “This project will support job creation and economic growth while providing access to lower-priced electricity.”
The funding is being supplied through the Green Infrastructure Fund, which supports projects that improve the quality of the environment. The program was established in 2009 as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
The fund was originally allocated $1 billion dollars, and the majority of that funding has now been invested in projects. In 2011, Infrastructure Canada said it had sufficient proposals for the remaining money.
To receive the money from the Green Infrastructure fund, the Northumberland Strait Power Cable Project will need to continue to meet environmental requirements and sign a contribution agreement that outlines the standards for eligible costs, federal cost sharing and limits.
