Imagine building a 4,000-kilometre underwater powerline connecting Canada to Europe, designed to transmit clean, renewable energy across the Atlantic Ocean. That is the vision of three investment bankers. With a projected cost exceeding $30 billion, the proposed "green powerline" would be one of the longest subsea cables ever constructed.
Its main goal is to help Europe meet rising clean electricity demands while giving Canada a new export market for its abundant hydro and wind power. This project is positioned as an opportunity to help with climate change, energy security, and geopolitical instability—especially in light of Europe’s efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Similar intercontinental power projects have already been initiated or proposed around the world. For example, the UK and Denmark operate the Viking Link, a 765-kilometre subsea cable that allows the two countries to trade renewable energy. Meanwhile, the Xlinks line is set to deliver solar and wind energy from North Africa to the UK via a 4,000-kilometre subsea cable. These projects demonstrate both the growing feasibility and appeal of long-distance green energy transmission.
There are immense technical, financial, and regulatory challenges ahead for this project. However this idea continues to demonstrate the possibilities that can come from international collaboration working to address climate change.