500 kV Transmission Line and Substation
Manitoba Power is building the Great Northern Transmission Line to bring clean, emission-free energy into Minnesota, meet growing energy demands and increase system reliability. The Great Northern Transmission Line, which will deliver hydropower generated by Manitoba Hydro to customers in the United States, will consist of a 500 kV transmission line from the Minnesota-Manitoba border to the Blackberry 500 kV Substation near Grand Rapids, Minnesota, as well as associated substation facilities and transmission system modifications.
Several priorities drove the need for the Great Northern Transmission Line including:
- Access to clean, affordable, reliable energy for Minnesota Power customers and the region
- Increased industrial load growth on Minnesota’s Iron Range
- Strengthen system reliability for Minnesota Power and the region
The U.S. Department of Energy on Wednesday announced it has issued a so-called presidential permit giving federal approval for Minnesota Power’s plan to bring electricity into Minnesota from northern Manitoba hydroelectric dams.
State regulators in February approved the route for the 500-kilovolt line. Electricity generated by a new dam in northern Manitoba will start moving to Minnesota Power customers in 2020.
“The Great Northern Transmission Line is a crucial link in Minnesota Power’s Energy Forward strategy of balancing renewable and traditional energy sources. Minnesota Power already has exceeded Minnesota’s 25 percent renewable standard, and is well-positioned to meet future decreased carbon emissions goals,” Hodnik said.
The utility sees the hydro power as a hedge against times when the wind doesn’t blow for its growing array of North Dakota wind generators. Under purchase agreements between the two companies and approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Manitoba Hydro can reduce the flow of water through its hydro generators when there is excess wind power from Minnesota Power’s North Dakota wind farms. When winds are light, Manitoba Hydro can release more water and send more electricity south.
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