Hitachi Energy and Grid United are moving forward with the North Plains Connector, a major transmission project designed to boost electricity flow between the eastern and western power grids of the United States. The two companies have entered into a new Engineering Services Agreement (ESA), marking the next stage of collaboration on what will be the nation’s first transmission line to directly connect three major energy markets.
The 420-mile North Plains Connector will operate as a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) system running at ±525 kilovolts. Once complete, it will be capable of carrying up to 3,000 megawatts of electricity in either direction. Enough to power millions of homes and businesses. By linking Montana and North Dakota to the wider grid, the project will support the growing energy needs of AI data centers, industrial electrification, and communities across the country.
The New Engineering Services Agreement (ESA)
Under the ESA, Hitachi Energy will provide early-stage engineering work, including the design of converter station specifications. This step is intended to reduce project risk, strengthen supply chain planning, and speed up overall execution. The agreement builds on the companies’ earlier collaboration announced in March 2024 and underscores their shared commitment to advancing HVDC technology in the U.S.
“Allie Wahrenberger, Vice President of Engineering for Grid United, said the project represents a milestone for the U.S. transmission system. ‘North Plains Connector will be the first transmission system connecting three major U.S. energy markets. Supporting a key Department of Energy goal of enhancing grid reliability and resilience. We are excited to move forward with world-class engineering from Hitachi Energy,’ she noted.”
Connecting Eastern and Western U.S. Grids
The project will integrate the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), and the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC). By improving grid coordination across these organizations, the North Plains Connector is expected to unlock new capacity, reduce bottlenecks, and strengthen overall reliability. Local communities in Montana and North Dakota are also projected to benefit from job creation and increased tax revenue once construction begins.
Hitachi Energy executives emphasized that the partnership illustrates how early collaboration can help streamline complex projects. “This new agreement with Grid United is a perfect example of how a long-term collaboration built on trust and a shared vision can accelerate delivery and mitigate risk,” said Nathanael Occenad, Vice President and Regional HVDC Sales Manager for Hitachi Energy in the Americas.
Long-distance transmission lines like the North Plains Connector are increasingly critical as the U.S. works to balance abundant low-cost power generation with surging electricity demand. Beyond its regional benefits, the project is aligned with broader national energy strategies, including the White House AI Action Plan, which prioritizes a stronger grid to secure U.S. competitiveness in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
Alongside the North Plains Connector, Hitachi Energy is actively advancing other major U.S. initiatives, including a $457 million power transformer manufacturing plant in South Boston, Virginia. The largest such investment in Southside Virginia, set to establish the region as a hub for high-tech electrical infrastructure.
North Plains Connector Project Factsheet
Project Overview
The North Plains Connector is a 420-mile high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line that will be the first U.S. system to directly connect three major energy markets: MISO, SPP, and WECC.
Key Specifications
Technology: HVDC system at ±525 kilovolts
Capacity: 3,000 megawatts (bidirectional)
Length: 420 miles
Service Area: Montana and North Dakota
Project Partners
Developer: Grid United
Engineering Partner: Hitachi Energy
Current Phase: Engineering Services Agreement (ESA) signed for early-stage design work
Strategic Objectives
Connect eastern and western U.S. power grids
Support AI data centers and industrial electrification
Enhance grid reliability and resilience
Unlock new transmission capacity and reduce bottlenecks
Align with Department of Energy and White House AI Action Plan goals
Regional Benefits
Power supply for millions of homes and businesses
Job creation in Montana and North Dakota
Increased local tax revenue
Improved grid coordination across three regional transmission organizations
Project Status
Engineering design phase underway, focusing on converter station specifications and supply chain planning to reduce risk and accelerate execution.
