California ISO Board approves 26 transmission projects
The selected projects will support 85 GW of capacity by 2035, including the first phase of development expected to bring offshore wind energy from the North Coast to the state grid.
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USA, California: The Independent System Operator’s (ISO) Board of Governors has approved the ISO’s 2023-2024 Transmission Plan recommending 26 new projects to support 85 GW of capacity by 2035, including the first phase of development expected to bring offshore wind energy from the North Coast to the state grid. Pattern Energy’s application to tie the SunZia line into the California grid has also been approved.
SunZia is a project is under construction which will run between central New Mexico and south-central Arizona, able to transport 3000 MW of wind energy. It is the second transmission line approved by the Board using an innovative Subscriber Participating Transmission Owner (SPTO) model, which helps new transmission lines outside the ISO balancing area to connect generation to the California grid and provide the ISO operational control.
The 2023-2024 Transmission Plan, developed with the California Energy Commission, the California Public Utilities Commission and the energy industry, has an estimated cost at full buildout of $6.1 billion and recommends specific transmission upgrades based on reliability, policy and economic-driven concerns. Two of the recommended projects recommended have been identified as eligible for competitive solicitation. The plan will enable critical resource development, and some specific projects were recommended to integrate offshore wind from the North Coast. Also, the ISO will work with regulators and industry for the timing and sequencing of offshore wind development to ensure reliability and affordability.
Source: T&D World
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