USA, Montana: The North Plains Connector, a $5 B electricity project, is moving forward as state and federal regulators review its environmental impact. The 675-km (420-mi) transmission line will connect the western and eastern electric grids, increasing transfer capacity between the two systems by more than 1000 %.
The US Department of Energy has awarded the project $700 M in federal funding, covering just over an eighth of the total budget. The grant, awarded under the Biden Administration, aims to strengthen the nation’s ageing electricity infrastructure.
Brant Johnson, representing developer Grid United, said the grant is progressing after a period of review. “We are continuing discussions with the Department of Energy, and the funding is moving forward,” he said.
The transmission line will pass through Custer and Fallon Counties in eastern Montana, running from Colstrip in Rosebud County to North Dakota. Johnson added that the permitting process is about halfway complete, with the project expected to enter operation around 2031 or 2032.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Energy are reviewing the project as part of a certificate of compliance required for large energy developments in the state. The review focuses on ensuring environmental standards are met before construction begins.
Once completed, the North Plains Connector will provide a critical link between regional grids, supporting electricity reliability, integrating renewable energy, and enabling more efficient power transfer across the country.
Source: Yellowstone Public Radio
