PGE to develop transmission project
The line will be the USA’s first HVDC transmission connection among three regional US electric energy markets.
Image for illustration purposes.
USA, Portland: Portland General Electric has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Grid United and ALLETE, Inc. in the development of the North Plains Connector, a 415-mile high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission line to be constructed with endpoints near Bismarck, North Dakota and Colstrip, Montana. The parties will work to finalize definitive agreements regarding PGE’s participation, expected to involve a 20% ownership share.
The line will be the USA’s first HVDC transmission connection among three regional US electric energy markets, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, the Western Interconnection and the Southwest Power Pool, providing additional flexibility and the sharing of resources across multiple time zones.
“The North Plains Connector is a key step in serving the growing needs of customers with safe, reliable, clean energy through joint collaboration. Additional transmission capacity will provide access to renewable energy over a wider and diverse geographic area, helping to deliver economic and environmental benefits,” said Maria Pope, PGE President and CEO.
The line is one of the ways PGE is working collaboratively across the region to find solutions to transmission congestion. The transmission line might provide PGE with 600 MW of transfer capacity, access to diverse energy resources, enhanced wholesale markets and ease congestion on the existing western transmission system.
The project represents an approximately $3.2 billion total investment in the two states and might create over 600 jobs during construction. Once built, this infrastructure will enable additional energy production in Montana and North Dakota. Under the terms of the MoU, Grid United will continue to fund the development of the connector, while PGE would invest when project regulatory approvals and permits are in place.
Source: PGE
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