PPH: Quebec hydro line could leverage new pipe for natural gas

Comment

Comment by Frank J. Heller, MPA on March 6, 2018 at 1:30pm

Ken Fletcher proposed it in 2011 for LD 1786

 

“EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

The State of Maine Comprehensive Energy Plan provides a long-term framework to promote energy efficiency, the development of renewable energy, and upgrading energy infrastructure in the State. Currently, State efforts are underway to establish energy infrastructure corridors to provide for efficient energy transport.

 

Energy infrastructure corridors would provide the conduit for the siting of oil, natural gas, and hydrogen pipelines and electric transmission and distribution to meet the energy transport needs of the State.

 

These energy infrastructure corridors would provide greater certainty in energy infrastructure planning, siting and permitting, thus fostering new economic development opportunities for Maine’s renewable resources.

 

LD 1786 An Act Regarding Energy Infrastructure Development, enacted as Public Law 2010, Chapter 655, sets up a process under which companies/developers can apply to the State to build pipelines, transmission lines or other energy infrastructure along Interstate 95 and two other statutory corridors owned by the state.

 

In return, the State would receive lease payments for reinvestment in energy efficiency, development of renewable energy and efficiency in the transportation sector. The purpose is to increase Maine’s development, supply and transport of reliable, clean and secure energy, create new economic development opportunities, and attract investment. This will allow Maine to have a cleaner and more energy independent future and will help transform Maine’s energy economy.

 

However, co-location of energy transmission systems within designated energy corridors may result in interference or other hazards that exist due to the physical proximity of these energy infrastructure. Careful consideration should be given to the issues affecting co-location of energy-infrastructure.

 

The following are the issues laid out in this report:

• Coincident Construction
• Risk of Natural Hazards and Human Threats
• Fire Hazards
• Electrical Interference
• High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Lines
• Utility Accommodation Rule

 

Regardless of the type of infrastructure, there is always concern over natural and/or man-made hazards. These hazards potentially could cause harm to pipeline components, such as pump stations, pipelines segments, and storage tanks, and other energy infrastructure located in the designated right of way (ROW).

 

The Governor’s Office of Energy Independence and Security (OEIS) recommends consideration of the following policies, initiatives and action items:

 

• Developers should consult with the Maine Emergency Management Agency with their development plans prior to submission for approval by the Interagency Review Panel to ensure safety concerns are addressed.
• Adequate separation of lines and facilities, adequate insulation and fire protection should be required at sites where pipelines exit the ground.
• All applicable codes and standards should be followed for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of collocated energy infrastructure in the State. Co-Location Report ES-2 May 2011 Governor’s Office of Energy Independence and Security
• Developers should adhere to all Federal policies regarding co-location of energy infrastructure in the State.
• Guidelines should be developed for maintenance procedures of co-located energy infrastructure in the State.
• The Interagency Review Panel should communicate with the Federal government to determine all Federal policies on co-location of energy infrastructure development prior to soliciting proposals for energy infrastructure”

 

Ken made it a private/public partnership with revenue. That’s another benefit as well as facilitating the transfer of HYDRO QUEBEC power through Maine.