New Analysis Quantifies Capacity Benefits of Grid United and ALLETE’s North Plains Connector Interregional Transmission Line
The study, which modeled North Plains Connector as two 1,500 MW HVDC lines connecting SPP and MISO to the Western electric grid, quantified the project's ability to increase power system reliability using the same framework employed by utilities and grid operators. When the bi-directional nature of the project as well as the seasonal diversity between the three regions are considered, the analysis found that NPC will unlock 3,550 MW of capacity across the three systems. Summed across all three regions, this total is greater than the physical capacity of the project itself. This capacity benefit represents the amount of additional demand that can be served without degrading reliability standards.
Importantly, the study quantifies the benefits that can be obtained by connecting meteorologically diverse regions whose peak need for electricity occurs at different times of day or in different seasons. Leveraging this difference in generation and load profiles improves the reliability of the grid on both sides of the project without adding any new generating capacity and allows the project to add an outsized amount of reliability benefit relative to its physical capacity.
"We are extremely encouraged by the results of this study, which underscore the critical role North Plains Connector will play in mitigating the effects of extreme weather events by more than doubling existing transfer capacity between the Eastern and Western Interconnections,” said
“This study shows that the reliability benefits of an interregional transmission project can be quantified using the same methodologies we use for new generating facilities and that those benefits are worth quantifying,” said
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About Grid United
Grid United is an independent transmission company aiming to develop next-generation energy infrastructure to create a more resilient and efficient electric system to the benefit of all consumers. For more information, visit www.gridunited.com
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ALE-CORP
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Communications Director
Ashley.mcgeary@gridunited.com
218-723-7400
arutledge@allete.com
Source: Grid United