Studies and Reports > 2009 MN Biennial Report > SE Planning Zone > Needs: 6.7.4 Dodge County Wind

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6.7.4 Dodge County Wind

Tracking Number. 2005-SE-N4

Utility. Xcel Energy

Inadequacy. An independent power producer has connected 49 MW of wind generation to the 69 kV transmission system near Dodge Center. There is a proposal to connect an additional 23 MW for a total of 72 MW. Both system protection and service quality issues require that the wind project only be allowed to operate with the Byron source in-service. Voltage fluctuations that exceed Xcel Energy’s voltage flicker criteria were identified at generation levels of greater than 49 MW. The other issue identified was line capacity – the capacity limit of the 69 kV line from Dodge Center to Kasson is reached when the output of the wind generation exceeds 56 MW.

A map of the area is shown on the following page.

Alternatives. One alternative identified to address system protection and service quality issues is to install breakers at Kasson and Kenyon. A solution to address capacity issues is to upgrade the 69 kV line from Dodge Center to Kasson (approximately seven miles).

Analysis. A number of studies have been conducted. The studies show that upgrading the Dodge Center to Kasson line is preferable to building a new line, which would have greater environmental issues and be more expensive.

Schedule. The status of the generation interconnection is currently listed as “Suspended.” Additional work on this inadequacy will be postponed until the developer announces an intent to proceed and will be closed if the developer withdraws from the queue.

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