Clean Line Energy Partners LLC has filed plans for a $2 billion transmission line with Iowa regulators that would deliver 3,500 megawatts from northwest Iowa and the surrounding region to communities in Illinois and other states to the east.

The 500-mile line, being developed by Clean Line subsidiary Rock Island Clean Line LLC, will need state approvals from regulators in Iowa and Illinois. In 2012, federal regulators authorized the project's sponsors to negotiate rates and enter into contracts with customers for the project.

The project could enable approximately $7 billion of new renewable energy projects, backers believe, and they say renewable generators and utilities who purchase transmission capacity on the line will pay for usage of the Rock Island Clean Line.