Iberdrola activates the NECEC energy corridor: a $1.650 billion investment to connect Canada and the US

Iberdrola, through its subsidiary Avangrid, has begun operating the transport network New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC), a $1.650 billion infrastructure that connects Canadá y Estados Unidos to supply clean, reliable and competitive energy to the region of Nueva Inglaterra.

This milestone marks the culmination of a project initiated in 2018, after obtaining all relevant federal and state authorizations. The infrastructure, considered strategic for the region, allows for the import of hydroelectric power from Quebec via a high-voltage power line 233 kilometers. With a capacity of 1.200 MWThe system guarantees the supply of approximately 10% of all electricity consumed in the state of Massachusetts.

Economic impact and long-term regulatory stability

From an international business perspective, the implementation of NECEC It represents a highly secure financial asset. The operation is based on regulated and stable contracts with a duration of 40 years, signed with both the distributors of Massachusetts as with the Canadian company Hydro-QuébecThis contractual structure not only ensures a return on investment, but also helps to reduce energy costs, improving the competitiveness of businesses in the area.

The following are the main figures that define the magnitude of this cross-border operation:

Concept	Key Data
Total inversion	1.650 million
Infrastructure	233 km high-voltage power line
Power Capacity	1.200 MW
Impact on Supply	~10% of the demand for Massachusetts
Contractual Horizon	40 years (Regulated)
Key Partners	Avangrid (USA) and Hydro-Québec (Canada)

Technological innovation: connecting asynchronous networks

The project stands out for its technical complexity in integrating advanced systems for efficient energy transmission. NECEC incorporates conversion technology HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current), a critical solution for transporting electricity over long distances while minimizing losses and enabling the interconnection of networks that operate asynchronously.

Additionally, at the substation of Buxton (Maine), two pieces of equipment have been installed STATCOM with a capacity of 300 MVAR. These power electronic devices are essential for:

Maintain voltage stability in the network.
Improve the quality of the electricity supply.
To ensure system balance during peak demand.

In the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) And with regard to sustainability, the project has ensured the protection of 20.200 hectares to preserve local ecosystems. Furthermore, Avangrid has committed hundreds of millions of dollars to community initiatives and economic development in the areas surrounding the infrastructure.

Key points and frequently asked questions about NECEC

What is the main function of the NECEC line?
The line connects the electrical networks of Quebec (Canada) and Nueva Inglaterra (USA) to transport 1.200 MW of clean hydroelectric power, covering about 10% of the consumption of Massachusetts.

What technology do you use to ensure efficiency?
It uses conversion technology HVDC for long distances and systems STATCOM at the substation of Buxton to stabilize voltage and connect asynchronous networks.

What is the business model behind the infrastructure?
The project, valued at $1.650 billion, operates under a model of regulated and stable 40-year contracts with local distributors and Hydro-Québec.