"The Midwest grid operator approved 18 new high-voltage transmission lines yesterday, setting the stage for adding 53 gigawatts of renewable energy to the grid.

The decision marks the most U.S. power lines ever approved at once and was hailed by climate advocates as a model for the nation. The board of directors for the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) greenlit the $10.3 billion investment in the tranche of lines.

Expected to come online beginning in 2028, the projects are part of MISO’s broader effort to integrate new generation resources and boost the resilience of the grid system as it grapples with extreme weather fueled by climate change. MISO manages the grid in 15 states across the Midwest and parts of the South."

Miranda Willson reports for E&E News July 26, 2022. [2]