NKT participated in the official inauguration of the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission line in New York City in the United States. This marks a significant milestone enabling the transition to renewable energy in the city.
At an event in New York, NKT celebrated the official inauguration of the 400 kV HVDC interconnector Champlain Hudson Power Express with its customers Transmission Developers (TDI) and Hydro-Québec. The transmission line spans more than 600 km (372 miles) from Québec, Canada, to the heart of New York City. It represents a major step in transforming the city’s energy system capable of supplying enough Canadian hydropower to cover up to 20% of electricity demand – equivalent to power for approximately one million households.
Awarded in 2022, the turnkey project has been executed by NKT and has comprised engineering, manufacturing as well as installation of the 400 kV HVDC power cable system. The transmission line reached commercial operation in May, ahead of schedule.
“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,” says Claes Westerlind, President and CEO of NKT.
The 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.
The project has 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 has 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 16 June 2026.
