Invenergy, a leader in renewable energy development, has announced plans to build the largest transmission line in United States history, a project set to begin in 2026. That ambitious initiative, known as the Grain Belt Express, is a testament to a powerful partnership. It partners with industry titans Quanta Services and Kiewit, both leaders in construction and engineering.
Invenergy founder and CEO Michael Polsky knew how important this project was. As written, it would increase the U.S. energy delivery capacity by a staggering 5 gigawatts (GW). The Grain Belt Express will generate approximately 4,000 construction jobs. Beyond that, it’s projected to produce $52 billion in energy cost savings over the next 15 years.
The initial stage of this huge undertaking will link the states of Kansas and Missouri. This network will allow for the rapid, efficient transmission of renewable energy across state lines. This interregional connectivity is crucial to maximizing energy resources and achieving our collective goal of national energy security.
To that end, Invenergy has just started operations at its first clean hydrogen facility in Rock Falls, Illinois. This new and ambitious development further pairs with their long-hauled transmission line project. The Sauk Valley hydrogen facility is an important testament to our commitment to pursue clean energy innovations. It further aligns with the bigger goals of the Grain Belt Express.
Polsky noted that Smart Columbus is thrilled about the partnership between Quanta and Kiewit. If they succeed, together, they’ll be building the largest new transmission line in US history. Grain Belt Express is a transformative project that delivers jobs and deepens America’s energy supply chain capabilities in innovative transmission technology.
Duke Austin, president and CEO of Quanta Services, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Grain Belt Express is an important project that supports the country’s energy dominance priority, manufacturing restoring, and mission to lead the world in AI and secure our grid.”
The partnership between these companies is a big step toward capturing and sending renewable energy over a larger geographic area. Through increasing interregional transmission capacity, the Grain Belt Express seeks to enhance America’s energy potential and strengthen economic development.