In the first of several anticipated strategic alliances, ITC Holdings Corp. has entered into an agreement with MDU Resources Group, Inc. to participate in ITC's Green Power Express transmission project. The agreement represents another important milestone in ITC's efforts to bring the Green Power Express project to fruition.

The Green Power Express transmission network project will provide grid access for many of the highest efficiency wind-farms in the upper Midwest and traverse portions of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. It will ultimately include approximately 3,000 miles of extra high-voltage 765 kV transmission and will connect with existing 765 kV lines in Illinois and Indiana. The project will facilitate the flow of up to 12,000 MW of renewable power to the Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is currently estimated to cost approximately $10 to 12 billion.

Under the terms of the agreement, MDU, headquartered in Bismarck, N.D., has expressed its interest in investing in Green Power Express, LP, the entity that was formed by ITC to develop the Green Power Express project. MDU will collaborate with ITC on development efforts and securing the approvals needed to move the project forward. Green Power Express, LP, will operate as an independent transmission company.

"We expect that an eventual partnership with MDU will be the first of many and is a significant step in ITC's efforts to site and build regional transmission in order to move renewable generation from remote regions of the country to urban areas where it is needed," said Edward M. Rahill, president, ITC Grid Development.

According to a study by CRA International, efficient movement of up to 12,000 MW of transfer capacity for wind power and the connectivity of over 20,000 MW through the Green Power Express project would result in a reduction of up to 34 million metric tons in carbon emissions, which is equivalent to the annual emissions of about seven to nine 600 MW coal plants, or nine to 11 million automobiles.

The Green Power Express project also will address the recognized need for additional transmission infrastructure and is part of ITC's broader efforts to modernize the overburdened, aging electricity grid.

ITC will continue to pursue Green Power Express partnership discussions and finalize definitive partnership agreements with MDU and other strategic entities, including local utilities. Other project supporters include NorthWestern Energy (NWE), NextEra Renewable Energy (formerly FPLE), Iberdrola Renewables, Generation Energy Inc., Montgomery Power Partners, Denali Energy, National Wind, Crownbutte Wind Power, Inc., Wind Capital Group, Fox Ridge Energy & Development, LLC, Horizon Wind Energy, Prelude, LLC, Citizens Energy and RES, Renewable Energy Systems Americas.