The SOO Green HVDC Link is a 350-mile 2,100 MW, 525KV underground high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line running along existing rail corridors from Iowa to Illinois. By connecting the nation’s two largest power markets – MISO in the Midwest, and PJM in the East –SOO Green HVDC Link will help meet America’s growing demand for affordable, zero-carbon electricity.
The SOO Green HVDC Link will utilize a unique development approach by placing an underground HVDC transmission line along an existing railroad from North Central Iowa to Northern Illinois. This innovative approach allows the project to deliver the energy to our communities, creating thousands of good-paying jobs, while minimizing environmental impacts, avoiding sensitive wildlife habitat, and limiting impacts to neighboring landowners. Placing the transmission line underground also increases the project’s resiliency, ensuring power can be delivered in the face of extreme weather.
SOO Green will create new value for renewable energy suppliers, power marketers and consumers by linking generation produced in the Midwest electricity market (operated by MISO, the Mid-Continent Independent System Operator) to consumers in the Eastern electricity market (operated by PJM Interconnection). SOO Green will deliver immediate cost savings to all Illinois Ratepayers by reducing wholesale rates and capacity charges. Customers from both ComEd and Ameren will see substantial monthly savings starting the first year of operations.
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- Responsible Routing: 350 miles sited entirely underground and underwater along existing transportation corridors to minimize environmental and community impact.
- Ratepayer Savings: Customers could see up to $5 monthly savings on their energy bills over the life of the project
- Reliability: resilient against extreme weather to protect against disruptions in service
- Transparency and accountability: commitment to work with communities and stakeholders at every stage of development.