Studies and Reports > 2009 MN Biennial Report > WC Planning Zone > Needs: 6.4.11 West Central Minnesota Generation Outlet

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6.4.11 West Central Minnesota Generation Outlet

Tracking Number. 2007-WC-N4

Utilities. Various Minnesota Utilities

Inadequacy. Generation outlet studies focused on moving wind energy from the Buffalo Ridge area to the Twin Cities load center have identified the Granite Falls to Blue Lake 230 kV line as the next most limiting facility in the region. Upon installation of the Twin Cities – Brookings County 345 kV line, it will be necessary to pursue a project that will alleviate the congestion the Granite Falls – Blue Lake line causes on the transmission grid.

A map showing the route of the existing 230 kV line between Granite Falls and Blue Lake is shown on the following page.

Alternatives. Additional transmission in the area is required. One possibility is a rebuild of the existing line so it can transport more power. It may also be possible to build other new transmission lines to eliminate the overload condition.

Analysis. The Corridor Study, described in Section 8.6.1 of this Report, found that rebuilding the existing 230 kV line to a double-circuit 345 kV, often referred to as the Corridor Upgrade, was the preferred option.

Schedule. A rebuild of the existing 230 kV line between Granite Falls and Blue Lake will occur after the Brookings to Twin Cities 345 kV line is energized, probably in the 2019 timeframe.

Click here or on map below to download high resolution PDF map.