In the U.S., an increasing number of consumers believe that corporations should invest in clean energy solutions. According to a recent poll, two thirds of Americans said they’d be more likely to vote for a political candidate who campaigned on fighting climate change. To date,TransCanada has invested more than $5 billion in emission-less energy assets including wind, hydroelectric and solar power. Presently, a third of the power the company generates is from emission-less sources.
Here are four ways TransCanada has invested in clean and reliable energy solutions:
Harnessing Wind Power in Maine
High up on Kibby Mountain in the small town of Eustis, New England’s largest wind farm is generating enough clean, renewable power to meet the needs of approximately 50,000 homes. Working with state and local governments, the Kibby facility provides jobs and economic support for the surrounding community.
The Kibby wind farm was built with the protection of the surrounding ecology in mind. The Kibby Wind Power Project Conservation Agreement protects 1,100 acres of high-elevation ridgelines. TransCanada has contributed $500,000 towards larger conservation efforts by the state in partnership with the Trust for Public Land (TPL).
Hydroelectric Power Along the Rivers
Along the Connecticut and Deerfield Rivers, dependable, efficient power is flowing in New England. TransCanada maintains and operates 13 hydroelectric facilities in New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts that provide clean, competitively priced electricity to the region, while providing union jobs and community support.
These facilities coexist with nature, avoiding environmental impact on natural resources, including natural shore frontage and uplands. The public has access to nearly all the 30,000 acres of land associated with the hydroelectric facilities in order to enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, and cross country skiing and snowmobiling along the trails. Every year, the Deerfield and Connecticut River systems host more than half a million visitors at their public open space lands and reservoirs.
Keeping New York City Clean
The Ravenswood generating station in Queens, New York has received the Combined Cycle Journal Award for Power Plant Efficiency and Environmentally Friendly Design. It consists of multiple units employing steam turbine, combined cycle and combustion turbine technology. Its Unit 40 burns both natural gas and kerosene, yielding an operating efficiency 50% higher than that of conventional steam technology. Alone, the Ravenswood station has the capacity to serve approximately 20% of New York City’s electric needs.
During Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath, Ravenswood supplied nearly 50% of the electricity needed to power New York City as other suppliers were affected by the storm. To date, TransCanada has invested more than $1 million in charitable organizations that impact people living in Queens.
The Path Forward
TransCanada is continuing to expand its hydroelectric, wind and solar power offerings to its customers in response to the need for reliable, cost-efficient solutions with a low environmental impact.
