SCE completes transmission project in California
USA, California: West of Devers transmission line enhances reliability while expanding access to renewable energy, storage.
Image source: T&D World
USA, California: West of Devers transmission line enhances reliability while expanding access to renewable energy, storage.
Southern California Edison‘s (SCE’s) support of California’s clean energy goals hit a tangible milestone in May with the completion of upgrades to the SCE’s West of Devers transmission lines. The project increases transmission capacity necessary to bring renewable generation — more than 7000 MW of renewable and battery energy storage resources in the coming years.
“Completing the West of Devers Project is another giant step in our ability to deliver clean energy throughout our service area,” said Kevin Payne, SCE president and CEO. “While distributed energy resources like rooftop solar and battery energy storage will contribute to decarbonizing our electric infrastructure, large-scale generation and reliable delivery of renewable energy will be vital to achieve California’s ambitious climate goals.”
The project consisted of removing and replacing conductors and supporting structures of four separate circuits of 220 kV transmission lines through the existing 77 km (48 mi) corridor.
As part of the West of Devers Project, the SCE entered into a transaction with Morongo Transmission for it to invest in the project, which allowed the SCE to build the project across the Morongo Indian Reservation. The total cost of the project was $740 M.
The SCE applied in 2013 to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission requesting approvals to build the project. In 2017, the company received all necessary environmental permits and regulatory approvals to start construction, which began in early 2018. West of Devers went into service about five months before its originally projected timeframe.
“The ability to achieve commercial operation ahead of schedule is a testament to the commitment and dedication of all the project team members and the multitude of stakeholders who contributed to the project’s success,” said Chuck Adamson, principal manager of Major Construction for the SCE.
Source: T&D World