New York City switches on $6 billion HVDC link to fuel Big Apple with Canadian hydropower

June 19, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Denmark-headquartered power cable manufacturer and installation player NKT, alongside other players breathing life into an underwater high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable project between the U.S. and Canada, has participated in the launch of the cross-border transmission development, which opens a clean energy corridor between New York City and Québec, bringing renewable Canadian hydropower to feed the Big Apple’s green transition.

Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission line is now online in New York; Source: NKT

NKT has confirmed its participation in the official inauguration of the 400 kV HVDC Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) transmission line in New York City in the United States, with its customers, Transmission Developers (TDI), a Blackstone company, and Hydro-Québec.

The interconnector spans more than 600 kilometers (372 miles) from Québec, Canada, to the heart of New York City, representing what is considered to be a major step in transforming the city’s energy system capable of supplying enough Canadian hydropower to cover up to 20% of electricity demand.

This is equivalent to power approximately one million households. Following the contract award in 2022, the Denmark-headquartered firm executed the turnkey project that comprised engineering, manufacturing as well as installation of the 400 kV HVDC power cable system.

Claes Westerlind, President and CEO of NKT, commented: “The inauguration of the Champlain Hudson Power Express is a tremendous milestone for NKT and the transition to renewable energy in New York City.

“It reflects the value of strong collaboration and long-term partnerships, and it has been a privilege to work with TDI, Hydro-Québec and our partners to realise this important project contributing to the energy transition in the United States.”

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The transmission line, which reached commercial operation ahead of schedule in May, involved extensive manufacturing as well as large-scale onshore and offshore installation works across multiple environments, including Lake Champlain and the Hudson and Harlem rivers.

NKT previously completed the grid connection on the Canadian side of the border, enabling a fully integrated transmission link to New York City. The commissioning follows years of planning, development and installation, and was marked at the official inauguration event held in New York City on June 16, 2026.

The $6-billion Champlain Hudson Power Express is now capable of transmitting up to 1,250 megawatts of renewable hydropower from Canada to New York City as a substantial contribution to the city’s energy transition.

Justin Sauber, CEO of TDI, highlighted: “You cannot build a world-class transmission line that transforms the lives of millions of New Yorkers without world-class cable. NKT’s partnership on CHPE, from the early days of development through testing and commissioning, was critical to the success of CHPE.

“On behalf of the entire TDI team, I want to thank NKT for its contributions to this landmark moment for New York City.”