Grain Belt Express awards $1.7 billion contracts for U.S.’s largest transmission line
(P&GJ) — Grain Belt Express has awarded nearly $1.7 billion in contracts to Quanta Services and Kiewit Energy Group to build what will be the largest transmission line in U.S. history.
The 800-mile high-voltage direct current (HVDC) line, developed by Invenergy, will span Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, delivering 5,000 megawatts of capacity. All four states have approved the project, which is expected to begin construction in 2026. Phase 1, connecting Kansas and Missouri, is projected to create more than 4,000 jobs.
“This is a transformative project that delivers jobs and deepens America’s energy supply chain capabilities in innovative transmission technology,” said Michael Polsky, founder and CEO of Invenergy.
Quanta and Kiewit plan to source construction materials locally in Kansas and Missouri. Offices for the project will be based in Overland Park and Lenexa, Kansas.
“Grain Belt Express is an important project that supports the country’s energy dominance priority, manufacturing reshoring, mission to lead the world in artificial intelligence and secure our grid,” said Duke Austin, president and CEO of Quanta Services.
Chad Jessen, executive vice president of Kiewit Energy Group, added, “Our extensive EPC experience with complex power delivery projects suits us well, especially using this HVDC technology to connect grid regions to help reliably meet growing energy demand.”
The project’s backers estimate $52 billion in energy cost savings over 15 years. It will also connect four regional power grids, expand access to both new and existing generation, and help meet rising demand from data centers and manufacturing facilities.
Missouri and Kansas officials praised the announcement, citing jobs, energy reliability, and cost savings for residents and utilities. More than 95% of land acquisition for Phase 1 is complete, with $105 million in easement agreements already executed.
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