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Interconnecting large-scale renewables with a 21st century grid

We are partnering closely with our states to meet large-scale renewable policy targets by enabling the deployment of cost-effective zero-carbon generation resources, including first-in-the-nation offshore wind projects.   We are working to accelerate cost-effective build-out of electric transmission infrastructure to provide more system capacity for renewables while making long-term commitments to new energy projects through power purchase agreements or other mechanisms that help project developers secure necessary financing.
 

Targets

  • We aim to develop and construct nearly $5 billion in necessary transmission and distribution upgrades to help meet the renewable targets in our states, including up to $4 billion in NY for up to 5,000 MW of new renewable capacity and up to $700 million in Massachusetts for up to 1,200 MW of capacity.

  • Through power purchase agreements in Massachusetts, along with other electric utilities, we are supporting clean energy adoption to help achieve a state-wide target of 4 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy by 2027.
     

Achievements to date

  • We have contracted for more than 5,000 gigawatt hours (GWh)/year of large-scale renewables for our Massachusetts customers (for example with hydropower from Hydro Quebec and offshore wind power from Vineyard Wind and Mayflower Wind) and about 1,550 GWh/year of resources for our Rhode Island customers (e.g., Revolution Wind). In March 2021, we issued a joint request for proposal (RFP) with Eversource and Unitil for up to 1.6 GW of offshore wind for our Massachusetts customers.

  • We have signed a joint development agreement with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) for co-investment in the Smart Path Connect transmission project to enable the delivery of approximately 1 GW of large-scale renewable generation in accordance with the NY Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

Map showing existing power lines between Moses Station and Porter Station in New York state

National Grid has a key role in enabling renewable electricity delivery and we are proud to partner with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to deliver the first-ever 'Priority Transmission Project' in support of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019. The Smart Path Connect project will upgrade over 100 miles of existing transmission lines – almost exclusively within existing right-of-way – and replace or upgrade approximately 10 substations along the project path.

The project is expected to be in service by the end of 2025 and will deliver:

  • 1,000 MW increase in renewable energy flow across New York

  • over 1 million tons of CO2 avoided each year

  • over $400 million in transmission congestion savings annually

  • benefits to state and local economies by creating hundreds of clean energy construction jobs.