The power line that could reshape New York’s grid is hitting snags
The Champlain Hudson Power Express, a 339-mile underground transmission line, is designed to deliver renewable hydropower from Quebec to New York City. Despite its potential to reduce fossil fuel reliance, the project faces operational challenges and concerns regarding climate-related drought impacts.
Why it matters
It highlights the logistical and environmental complexities of modernizing energy grids to integrate renewable sources across international borders.
North America’s longest underground power line could cut emissions and costs once it’s fully operational.
On July 3, as a heat wave swept the region, New York State’s grid imported 52 gigawatt-hours of electricity from Canada—enough to meet about 9% of its total electricity demand that day.
Some of that power shuttled in on a 339-mile power line stretching from Quebec to Queens called the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE). It opened in May and is officially the longest underground transmission line in North America.
An underground power line might not sound all that exciting, but this could be a big deal for the state’s grid planning, and for emissions. It could provide up to 20% of New York City’s electricity demand, largely with abundant hydropower from Quebec.
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