Illinois Supreme Court rejects challenge to wind-generated transmission line – Muddy River News

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Invenergy announces Phase I Grain Belt Express contracts - High Plains Journal Grain Belt Express, the largest electric transmission project in the United States, has awarded nearly $1.7 billion in in contracts.

Invenergy moving forward on Phase 1 of #GrainBeltExpress transmission line in the Midwest. 🔌💡
hpj.com/2025/06/04/i...

Invenergy Commits $1.7 Billion to Grain Belt Express Transmission Project - Environment+Energy Leader Invenergy’s $1.7B Grain Belt Express aims to modernize U.S. energy infrastructure but faces strong local opposition over land rights and project benefits.

Invenergy commits $1.7B to the 800-mile Grain Belt Express, transporting wind energy from Kansas to Indiana.

🔗 www.environmentenergyleader.com/stories/inve...

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#RenewableEnergy #GrainBeltExpress #Invenergy #EnergyInfrastructure #CommunityConcerns

Invenergy Secures $1.7 Billion Contracts for Grain Belt Express Transmission Line Invenergy has secured contracts valued at approximately $1.7 billion, awarded to Quanta Services and Kiewit Energy Group Inc., for the initial construction phase of its $7 billion Grain Belt Express transmission line. This high-voltage direct current (HVDC) project will extend roughly 800 miles across Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, with a potential capacity of 5,000 MW. The initial phase, covering 530 miles in Kansas and Missouri and capable of carrying 2,500 MW, is now underway. Quanta Services will handle the engineering, procurement, and construction of the lattice towers and transmission lines, while Kiewit will be responsible for the construction of two converter stations. According to Quanta’s CEO, the Grain Belt Express project aligns with national priorities including energy independence, manufacturing growth, AI leadership, and grid security. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, and Invenergy has already secured commitments from key equipment suppliers like Prysmian North America, Hubbell, and Siemens Energy. The U.S. Department of Energy has previously identified the project’s route as a priority for funding and permitting due to its potential to enhance grid stability. Grain Belt Express aims to link the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and Associated Electric Cooperative Incorporated (AECI) grid regions. Invenergy’s CEO emphasized the importance of interregional transmission for bolstering American energy dominance and national security. Progress on the first phase continues, however, permitting for the second phase is currently facing challenges. A recent Illinois appeals court ruling found that the Illinois Commerce Commission’s approval of a portion of the project was flawed, and Invenergy is appealing this decision to the state supreme court, as over 200 miles of the line are planned to traverse Illinois.

Invenergy Secures $1.7 Billion Contracts for Grain Belt Express Transmission Line #MISO #GrainBeltExpress #HVDC #EnergyIndependence #TransmissionLines #GridSecurity

The Pacific HVDC Intertie transmission line took 6 years from initial plans to final construction and energizing in 1970. It cost $700 million and has paid for itself many times over in past 55 yrs of operation. 15 yrs and counting for #GrainBeltExpress. 🔌💡

Misleading Transmission Plans: The Grain Belt Express Exclusion in the Midcontinent Region - Cozzy Energy Solutions Misleading Transmission Plans: The Grain Belt Express Exclusion A recent market monitor report has highlighted a concerning issue with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) transmission plan, specifically its exclusion of the Invenergy Grain Belt Express project. MISO, a regional transmission organization responsible for coordinating electricity flow across the Midwest, has approved a $22 billion expansion plan that includes a 765-kV backbone aimed at improving grid resilience and reliability. However, the report found that MISO's transmission plan would yield excessive revenue for utilities beyond what is necessary, particularly when compared to advanced stage merchant projects. These projects enable utilities to sell excess electricity on the open market, streamlining energy supply and demand management. Regulators and the Coalition of MISO Transmission Customers have voiced their support for FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) to intervene in Invenergy's complaint against MISO's decision. They warn that customers could face significant financial risks by paying tens of billions of dollars for unnecessary transmission infrastructure. Invenergy, meanwhile, is engaged in discussions with utilities and other companies to secure capacity on the Grain Belt Express line, which would transport electricity from South Dakota to Illinois. This project has been excluded from MISO's transmission plan despite its potential to enhance grid efficiency. The report raises questions about the efficacy of MISO's transmission plan, suggesting that advanced stage merchant projects could provide similar benefits at a lower cost. As FERC reviews Invenergy's complaint, it is essential for policymakers to examine the implications of MISO's decision and consider alternative solutions that prioritize grid resilience while minimizing unnecessary expenses. Efficiency in Transmission Planning MISO's exclusion of the Invenergy Grain Belt Express project from its transmission plan has sparked concerns about the organization's approach to regional energy infrastructure development. The company's $22 billion expansion plan, which includes a 765-kV backbone, aims to enhance grid resilience and reliability across the Midwest. However, advanced stage merchant projects offer utilities an alternative way to manage energy supply and demand, providing greater efficiency in transmission planning. These projects enable utilities to sell excess electricity on the open market, reducing the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades like MISO's proposed transmission backbone. Regulatory Oversight Matters The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) plays a crucial role in ensuring that regional transmission organizations like MISO operate efficiently and effectively. The agency's review of Invenergy's complaint against MISO's transmission plan raises important questions about regulatory oversight and the need for accountability. State regulators and the Coalition of MISO Transmission Customers have emphasized the importance of FERC intervening to protect customers from unnecessary expenses. They argue that MISO's decision would result in significant financial risks, with potential costs running into tens of billions of dollars. A Closer Look at Advanced Stage Merchant Projects Advanced stage merchant projects present an alternative approach to traditional transmission planning. These projects enable utilities to sell excess electricity on the open market, streamlining energy supply and demand management. By investing in advanced stage merchant projects, utilities can optimize their energy infrastructure while reducing unnecessary expenses. In contrast, MISO's proposed transmission plan includes a 765-kV backbone aimed at improving grid resilience and reliability. While this investment may enhance overall grid performance, it may also yield excessive revenue for utilities beyond what is necessary.

Misleading Transmission Plans: The Grain Belt Express Exclusion in the Midcontinent Region #MISO #TransmissionPlan #GrainBeltExpress #MISO #FERC #RegulatoryOversight

Completely agree with this view from @ezrakleinbot.bsky.social. Let's talk about #GrainBeltExpress, now 15 years in development (w/ private $, no less). #scarcity is the enemy here; we need "a world that works for everyone" to raise the standard of living for everyone. 🔌💡
youtu.be/VwjxVRfUV_4

As ‘Grain Belt Express’ moves nearer to construction, fights move to center stage - High Plains Journal As the Grain Belt Express transmission line moves ahead it is a hot-button issue for property owners along the path, David Murray writes.

Leadership is needed at the federal level to allow #HVDC transmission lines that cross time zones (and time-shift peak demand) to move forward. #GrainBeltExpress has been fighting local opposition for over 10 years. Could interstate highway system be built today? 🔌💡 tinyurl.com/2s3fk6f7

#OMFG 😧- The Missouri Landowners Association wants Invenergy to re-apply for #GrainBeltExpress' negotiated rate authority, a move that could delay the financing and construction plans for the $7 billion project.
www.utilitydive.com/news/invener...

Low population density, great wind resource: go Kansas!
Add storage (from coming dealerships full of electric pickups) & the state can beat NYS & California to zero carbon. Also: sell us some of that power. #GrainBeltExpress @isilakgul @nycjtam @ODouglasPrice @ESBC_org