The Department of Energy is adding $700 million to a $3.6 billion project that will boost the electrical energy supply for North Dakota and Montana.

The funding from DOE’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program will go toward a 3,000-megawatt High-Voltage Direct Current Voltage Source Converter transmission line from Center, N.D., to Colstrip, Montana — the North Plains Connector.

The project will increase transfer capacity by 1,400% between three regional entities and add 3,800 megawatts of new capacity.

By developing a high voltage direct current transmission line between North Dakota and Montana, the Project will connect the U.S. eastern and western electric grids. As a critical link between regions, it will support economic growth for both states.

“North Dakota welcomes this investment in transmission infrastructure to ensure a resilient and reliable power grid. Still, in order to meet growing consumer demand for electricity and support economic expansion, we need to add transmission capacity AND build upon our existing baseload generation – not try to shut it down,” Gov. Burgum said. “The North Plains Connector project will create a critical link between electricity markets and regions, support our all-of-the-above energy approach and contribute to national energy security. We’re grateful to the North Dakota Transmission Authority and all the partners supporting this investment.”

“Still, in order to meet growing consumer demand for electricity and support economic expansion, we need to add transmission capacity AND build upon our existing baseload generation – not try to shut it down,” Burgum said in a news release.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte said a steady supply of energy is crucial to Montana and the country.

“Through this investment, we’re upgrading and modernizing Montana’s electrical transmission infrastructure to power our homes, schools and businesses,” Gianforte said.

The North Plains Connector will connect three regional control entities: the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC), Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), and Southwest Power Pool (SPP). According to DOE, the project will create up to 3,800 megawatts of new capacity and increase transfer capacity between WECC and the Eastern Interconnection in Montana and North Dakota by 1,400%.

In July, the Montana Department of Commerce announced it had been awarded $47.5 million from DOE for projects in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon counties, as well as the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, to help mitigate the impact of construction of the North Plains Connector transmission line. Eligible projects will include infrastructure updates, such as roads, water, sewers, emergency services, and other projects related to workforce and infrastructure development.