The electric grid operator that serves Indiana and 14 other states approved a $10.3 billion transmission expansion in the Midwest that would allow it to incorporate more renewable energy into the grid.

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator approved 18 new high-voltage transmission lines that could add 53 gigawatts of renewable energy to the grid beginning in 2028.

The lines will be built in the MISO Midwest Subregion, which includes Indiana, and will help replace the 50 gigawatts of electricity lost through the upcoming retirements of coal-fired power plants and other aging power plants.

“MISO’s [Long-Range Transmission Planning] process is focused on working collaboratively with our diverse stakeholder community to design the transmission system needed for continued reliable and resilient operations,” said MISO president and chief operating officer Clair Moeller. “These projects will support the reliable, affordable transition of the generation fleet.”

A portion of the transmission lines will be built through northwest Indiana beginning in 2026. The area is home to some of the state’s largest wind farms.

MISO said the new transmission lines would provide up to $52 billion in net benefits for MISO and help alleviate “several thermal issues” in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Missouri.