Sign in Subscribe
Social services

New York State Reaches Two-Thirds Completion Milestone for "Smart Path" Clean Energy Transmission Line

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The New York State Department of Public Service has announced that the "Smart Path" clean energy transmission line in the North Country has reached a two-thirds completion milestone. The project, launched in early 2020, is part of a comprehensive transmission buildout aimed at strengthening the state's energy grid and enabling the reliable transmission of clean energy from northern New York. The "Smart Path" project involves rebuilding approximately 78 miles of transmission lines, spanning from Massena in St. Lawrence County to Croghan in Lewis County, and will help advance New York's clean energy goals as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The project is expected to be completed next year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Smart Path" clean energy transmission line in the North Country has reached a two-thirds completion milestone, with approximately 78 miles of transmission lines rebuilt.
  • The project is part of a comprehensive transmission buildout aimed at strengthening the state's energy grid and enabling the reliable transmission of clean energy from northern New York.
  • The project involves upgrading 78 miles of transmission lines to 345kV voltage, increasing the transmission capacity and enabling the integration of more renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.
  • The rebuilt lines will connect economical, clean, and renewable energy into the statewide power system, including low-cost hydropower from NYPA's St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project.
  • The project has created hundreds of jobs during construction and will bring added resiliency and reliability to the state's electric system.
  • The Smart Path project is one of several transmission projects in New York State, including the Central East Energy Connect project, New York Energy Solution, and Empire State Line Project.
  • The projects are aimed at achieving New York State's goal of obtaining 70% of the state's electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and realizing a zero-emission energy grid by 2040.
  • The Smart Path project will be operated in the near-term at the 230 kV level until the completion of the Smart Path Connect project, which will increase the voltage to 345kV.

Statistics:

  • 78 miles of transmission lines rebuilt in the Smart Path project.
  • 345kV voltage upgrade to increase transmission capacity and enable integration of more renewable energy sources.
  • 230kV near-term operation level until completion of the Smart Path Connect project.
  • 100+ jobs created during construction.
  • 700+ megawatts of wind energy connected to the grid.
  • 6,300+ megawatts of hydroelectric power connected to the grid.

Sources:

  • "For Immediate Release: 7/13/2022 GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES TWO-THIRDS COMPLETION MILESTONE FOR 'SMART PATH' CLEAN ENERGY TRANSMISSION LINE IN THE NORTH COUNTRY"
  • "NYPA's Moses-Adirondack Smart Path Reliability Project"
  • "New York State's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act"
  • "NYPA's website and social media channels"

Read more