Hitachi Energy and Grid United have entered the next phase in developing the North Plains Connector (NPC), a 420-mile high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line connecting Montana and North Dakota. The newly signed Engineering Services Agreement (ESA) marks a key milestone in enhancing grid reliability between the Eastern and Western U.S. power grids.

The NPC will operate at ±525 kilovolts and carry up to 3,000 megawatts of electricity in either direction--enough to power millions of homes or businesses. The project is designed to relieve transmission bottlenecks and meet surging electricity demands driven by AI data centers, manufacturing electrification, and industrial growth.

Under the ESA, Hitachi Energy will deliver early-stage engineering services, including technical specifications for HVDC converter stations. This phase aims to mitigate risk, ensure supply chain readiness, and streamline execution.

Allie Wahrenberger, VP of Engineering at Grid United, said the NPC will be the first line connecting three major U.S. energy markets--MISO, SPP, and WECC--aligning with federal priorities to improve interregional grid resilience.

Nathanael Occenad, VP and Regional HVDC Sales Manager for Hitachi Energy, highlighted the project as a model of collaborative, low-risk development in the face of rising power needs.

The North Plains Connector is expected to create jobs, generate tax revenue, and help deliver cost-effective energy to high-demand areas. It also aligns with the White House AI Action Plan, which calls for major grid improvements to support U.S. AI leadership.