A Geospatial Analysis of Potential Transmission Line Routes in the Pan-Arctic

The Arctic is warming three times faster than the global average, with climate change driving many changes, adding further complexity to the region's unique challenges that call for interdisciplinary, collaborative, innovative, and sustainable solutions. This study will develop a comprehensive geospatial analysis of potential transmission line routes connecting the Pan-Arctic, aimed at enhancing the region's human development, economic growth, influence, and national security. The proposed Pan-Arctic Transmission Line Network (PATLN) has the potential to foster international collaboration, increase resilience, create access to development opportunities, contribute to sustainable energy goals, and overall enhance Arctic capabilities. We will present our preliminary plan for geospatial analysis that combines multiple data layers to identify potential transmission line corridors, including existing infrastructure, topography, and environmental constraints. The project will integrate ongoing and future economic development activities such as mining and considers transportation infrastructure and community development. We will apply planning-level cost estimation models to support the evaluation of future pathways. The PATLN project aims to emphasize the advantages and productivity of a connected grid. It brings many potential benefits for communities, such as accessibility to critical infrastructure and community development opportunities, demonstrating the possibility of a unified strategy considering the regional, national, and local levels. This approach offers the opportunity to engage decision-makers, policy-makers, and the energy industry, around a framework for considering future projects around the Arctic. It supports collaborative, interdisciplinary, planning to develop new pathways toward a resilient Arctic