Breaking News: Berkshire Hathaway Energy Partners with Grid United for $3.2 Billion Energy Project
In a groundbreaking partnership, Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE) U.S. Transmission has joined forces with Grid United to advance a monumental $3.2 billion energy project. The collaboration involves the development of the North Plains Connector transmission project, a crucial initiative that aims to bridge the U.S. Eastern and Western electric grids in North Dakota and Montana.
Key Details of the Partnership
The North Plains Connector project entails the construction of a 420-mile high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission line, with a capacity of ±525kV and 3 gigawatts (GW). This ambitious venture is a joint effort between Grid United and ALLETE, with additional ownership agreements in place with Avista, Portland General Electric, Puget Sound Energy, and NorthWestern Energy.
The project has entered the permitting phase and is set to undergo regulatory filings, with approvals anticipated in 2026. Construction is slated to kick off in 2028, and the transmission line is projected to be operational by 2032. One of the primary objectives of the North Plains Connector project is to enhance grid reliability and connectivity between the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) in the east, and the western interconnected grid.
Expert Insights and Industry Impact
Kent Knutson, an esteemed market specialist at Hitachi Energy USA Inc., brings over three decades of experience in the energy industry intelligence sector. With a keen focus on designing and developing intelligence products, Knutson’s expertise will undoubtedly play a vital role in the success of the North Plains Connector project.
This groundbreaking collaboration between BHE and Grid United represents a significant milestone in the energy sector, paving the way for enhanced grid connectivity and reliability across the U.S. The project’s ambitious goals and innovative approach underscore the industry’s commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions and fostering a more resilient grid infrastructure for the future.
As we look ahead to the completion of the North Plains Connector project in 2032, it is clear that this transformative initiative will have far-reaching implications for the energy landscape, setting a new standard for grid connectivity and reliability in the years to come.