Grain Belt Express, the largest electric transmission project in the United States, has announced nearly $1.7 billion in combined contractor awards to Quanta Services and Kiewit Energy Group Inc. The project, developed by Invenergy, is set to transform U.S. energy delivery through an 800-mile transmission line powered by high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology.

Quanta, a specialist in energy infrastructure, and Kiewit, one of the country’s top engineering and construction firms, will lead critical aspects of the project. Spanning Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, the transmission line has received approvals from all four states as a project serving the public interest.

Grain Belt Express will add 5,000 megawatts of transmission capacity to the U.S. grid, improving reliability and unlocking access to more affordable, cleaner energy. The project is expected to deliver $52 billion in energy cost savings to American consumers over 15 years by increasing market efficiency and grid resilience.

Phase 1 of Grain Belt Express, connecting Kansas and Missouri, is slated to begin construction in 2026. This phase alone is projected to create over 4,000 jobs, further supporting regional economic development and America’s transition to a more secure and modern energy system.

“We’re pleased to partner with Quanta and Kiewit as we build the biggest transmission line in U.S. history. Grain Belt Express is a transformative project that delivers jobs and deepens America’s energy supply chain capabilities in innovative transmission technology,” said Michael Polsky, Founder & CEO of Invenergy. “Interregional transmission is key to unleashing American energy dominance to power our nation’s businesses and strengthen our national security.”