The Maritime Link is just a few weeks away from entering commercial operation.
The first electrons were exchanged between the Island of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia through Emera’s Maritime Link for the first time at 11:33 a.m. NST.
Commissioning teams from Emera NL and ABB worked together with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Nova Scotia Power to achieve the first successful trial of the Maritime Link.
“Our team has been working closely with the system operators in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as contractors ABB and Nexans for several years to integrate this new interconnection,” said Rick Janega, CEO of Emera Newfoundland and Labrador.
“This is a historic accomplishment and the culmination of almost seven years of work from a dedicated team of employees, workers and contractors that have spent countless hours bringing the project to life.”
Commissioning will continue throughout December as the Maritime Link prepares to be ready for customers in early 2018.
The Maritime Link improves the electrical interconnections between Atlantic Canadian provinces and is the first time the Island of Newfoundland has been connected to the North American energy grid.
“The exchange of energy across the Maritime Link marks the beginning of a pivotal time in our provincial electricity system and brings us a step closer to a more reliable, interconnected system for our customers who are counting on us every day,” said Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro president Jim Haynes.
Construction of the Maritime Link began in 2014 and achieved major milestones this year with the successful installation of two submarine cables and overland transmission infrastructure.
The project remains on budget and on schedule for first operation in early 2018.
