Energy and Climate Solutions
The federal government has given environmental approval for the Northwest Transmission Line (NTL), setting the stage for construction to begin this spring.
According to a 2008 report from the Mining Association of British Columbia, NTL could attract $15 billion in investment and create over 10,000 jobs over the next few decades.
The NTL is a $404-million, 287-kilovolt, 335-kilometre, publicly owned transmission line from Skeena Substation (near Terrace) to Bob Quinn Lake. It will open up B.C.'s Northwest to clean energy and mining projects.
NTL will reduce GHG emissions by connecting communities relying on diesel to the grid powered by clean electricity.
Quick Facts:- The federal government has committed $130 million toward the cost of the project.
- Alta Gas will contribute $180 million to the project to connect its Forest Kerr hydroelectric generating facility.
- BC Hydro's capital costs are approximately $94 million.
- Moving away from diesel will reduce GHG emissions at Iskut alone by 2,800 tonnes CO2e/yr, the equivalent of taking 735 cars off of the road for one year.
- The NTL project was given environmental approval by the Province under the Environmental Assessment Act on Feb. 23.
- On March 4, the Nisga'a Nation entered into a benefits agreement with BC Hydro for the construction of the western alignment of the NTL.
- BC Hydro has previously signed benefit agreements with the Kitselas and Metlakatla First Nations in support of NTL
Learn More:
Contact:
Jake Jacobs
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0628
250 213-6934 (cell)
