TC Energy’s Midwest Pipeline Expansion Clears FERC Environmental Review

FERC issued an environmental assessment finding no significant impact for TC Energy’s ANR Heartland Project, a Midwest pipeline expansion adding 473,000 dekatherms per day of natural gas capacity across Illinois and Wisconsin.

By Mary Holcomb, Digital Lead

(P&GJ) — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has released an environmental assessment (EA) for TC Energy Corp.’s ANR Pipeline Heartland Project, concluding that construction and operation of the project would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.

Filed under docket CP25-79-000, the Heartland Project would add 473,000 dekatherms per day of firm natural gas transportation capacity to meet market demand across the Midwest.

ANR Pipeline Company proposes to construct and operate new facilities in Illinois and Wisconsin, including approximately 68.9 miles of new pipeline, 1.5 miles of replacement line, three new compressor stations, two new meter stations, and upgrades to existing infrastructure.

The EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), with participation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection as cooperating agencies.

FERC’s staff assessment found that the project’s potential impacts could be mitigated to less-than-significant levels. The EA is available on the Commission’s website, and public comments will be accepted until November 10, 2025, before a final decision is issued.

The proposed project would expand ANR’s interstate system, owned by TC Energy, to enhance natural gas supply reliability in the Midwest U.S.

Northwoods Expansion Project

In May, TC Energy approved its $900 million Northwoods Expansion Project, aimed at adding 0.4 Bcf/d of natural gas capacity to its ANR pipeline system by 2029. The project is designed to serve growing natural gas demand from power generation and data centers across the U.S. Midwest and is supported by a 20-year take-or-pay contract with a creditworthy customer, ensuring steady revenue and low-risk returns.

The Northwoods project will expand capacity through pipeline looping, new compressor stations, and other system upgrades across the ANR network. TC Energy said the development will play a key role in strengthening supply reliability for regional utilities and industrial users as electricity and natural gas continue to drive U.S. energy consumption growth.

President and CEO François Poirier described Northwoods as a cornerstone of TC Energy’s near-term growth strategy, reflecting its focus on high-value, in-corridor projects supported by long-term contracts. “As natural gas and electricity are forecasted to drive the majority of growth in final energy consumption through 2035, we are pleased to announce the Northwoods project on our ANR system, designed to serve electric generation demand in the U.S. Midwest, including data centers and overall economic growth,” Poirier said.

The company expects the expansion to deliver a build multiple of five to seven times, aligning with its goal of pursuing low-risk, high-return infrastructure investments. Poirier said the project underscores TC Energy’s ability to capture opportunities that enhance system reliability and long-term shareholder value.

At the same time, TC Energy reported that construction of its Southeast Gateway pipeline in Mexico was complete. The 715-km line will transport 1.3 Bcf/d of gas for Mexico’s Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) under a fully contracted agreement. The project was completed 13% under budget and is awaiting final regulatory approval before entering service.