U.S. Launches Grain Belt Express, Nation’s Largest Transmission Line

The Grain Belt Express, developed by Invenergy, is poised to become the largest electric transmission project in U.S. history. This 800-mile high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line will traverse Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, delivering 5,000 megawatts of energy—enough to power approximately 3.2 million homes. The project aims to enhance grid reliability, unlock access to affordable clean energy, and provide an estimated $52 billion in energy cost savings to Americans over 15 years.

On May 7, 2025, Invenergy awarded nearly $1.7 billion in combined contracts to Quanta Services and Kiewit Energy Group Inc. for the construction of the Grain Belt Express. These firms will lead critical aspects of the project, with main construction, engineering, and procurement offices based in Overland Park and Lenexa, Kansas. Phase 1 of the project, connecting Kansas and Missouri, is slated to begin construction in 2026 and is expected to create over 4,000 jobs, further supporting regional economic development.

The Grain Belt Express will connect four major U.S. grid regions: the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the Associated Electric Cooperative Incorporated (AECI), and the PJM Interconnection. This interconnection is designed to improve grid security and enhance reliability, enabling deliverability for both new-build generation and over eight gigawatts of existing dispatchable generation near the line’s connections with multiple regional grids.

While the project has garnered support for its potential to modernize the U.S. electric infrastructure and meet growing energy demands, it has also faced opposition from some landowners and local officials concerned about the use of eminent domain and the impact on rural communities . Despite these challenges, the Grain Belt Express represents a significant investment in America's energy future, aiming to deliver more affordable, reliable, and secure power to millions of Americans.