Easier access to renewable resources

The Pacific Northwest region, is blessed with abundant green energy resources. The sustainable development of these resources is restricted by limited interconnection capacity and transmission infrastructure.

The JdF Cable Project would provide an alternate route for electricity, which would promote regional grid stability, and the development of renewable energy resources.

Regional renewable energy producers could use the JdF Cable as an avenue to get electricity to the market. This would encourage and promote development of renewable resources on both sides of the border, benefiting residents of both Canada and the U.S. by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The energy output from many renewable energy resources, such as wind, tends to peak at different times in geographically disparate areas. By providing more and better interconnections between such areas, the U.S. and Canada can mutually reinforce each other, allowing a higher penetration of renewable energy for both than either could achieve independently. An example of this would be the concept of 'wind firming wind', meaning that if the wind is not blowing in Washington, it might be blowing in B.C.

Minimizing environmental impact by using state-of-the-art technology.

For the JdF Cable Project, Sea Breeze has partnered with ABB Inc., a highly experienced electrical manufacturing and engineering company with 50 years of experience in the development and installation of HVDC (high-voltage direct current). ABB is responsible for the HVDC Light®

 In 2002, ABB was involved with an HVDC Light® project called Murraylink in Australia.  The Murraylink project was the recipient of the 2002 Case EARTH Award for Environmental Excellence for best practice and innovation in the environmental management of civil construction projects.

The 177 km (110 miles) long underground interconnection won the award because of the environmental management and measures taken to minimize environmental impact during its construction. This award testifies to the extent to which ABB's products, systems, solutions and services (all of which will be used for the JdF Cable Project) are centered on lowering environmental impact while improving grid reliability and increasing industrial productivity.

News releases:

ABB power transmission project wins national environmental award in Australia
ABB joint winner of engineering award for the world’s longest underground power line