Hitachi ABB Power Grids enables Minnesota Power to deliver more clean and affordable hydropower
One of the largest deployments of series capacitors helps increase the transfer capability and reliability of the connection between Manitoba and Minnesota.
Image source: Hitachi ABB Power Grids
USA, Minnesota: One of the world’s largest deployments of series capacitors helps increase the transfer capability and reliability of the transmission connection between Manitoba and Minnesota.
Hitachi ABB Power Grids announced the successful commissioning of a 500 kV – 1400 MVAr series capacitor bank, one of the largest in the world, on 31 March 2021 for Minnesota Power’s Great Northern Transmission Line project, helping ensure the delivery of more clean hydropower from Manitoba, Canada – to its customers in Northeast Minnesota. By enhancing the transfer capability and reliability of the transmission connection between Manitoba and Minnesota, this project will enable Minnesota Power to strengthen its commitment to shift rapidly toward an emission-free energy system.
This deployment of a major 500 kV transmission line stretching between Winnipeg, Manitoba and Grand Rapids, Minnesota, further highlights the progress of Minnesota Power’s ‘EnergyForward’ strategy to transition to cleaner energy sources while meeting customer expectations for a reliable, stable, and affordable electricity supply. In late 2020, the company became the first utility in the state of Minnesota to deliver 50 % renewable energy to its customers and has a goal of achieving 100 % carbon-free energy by 2050.
“We are pleased to play such a critical role in helping Minnesota Power increase the availability of clean power to its customers in the region,” said Alireza Aram, Managing Director, Grid Integration business, North America, Hitachi ABB Power Grids. “This new series capacitor bank, one of the largest in the world, will enable Minnesota Power to meet its customers’ energy needs while increasing system reliability, and support their efforts to reduce carbon emissions from their operations.”
Source: Hitachi ABB Power Grids