Studies and Reports > 2009 MN Biennial Report > SE Planning Zone > Needs: 6.7.8 Grand Meadow Wind

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6.7.8 Grand Meadow Wind

Tracking Number. 2007-SE-N2

Utility. Xcel Energy

Inadequacy. Xcel Energy and enXco (an independent power producer) have teamed together to propose a 200 MW wind farm (100 MW of which will be owned by Xcel Energy) in Mower County in southeast Minnesota. The wind farms are called the Grand Meadow project (100 MW) and the Wapsipinicon project (100 MW).

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

Alternatives. On January 24, 2007, the Midwest ISO released the results of its System Impact Study. This study identified a need for two transmission facilities in order for the wind farm to interconnect to the transmission system. The first facility identified is a new Pleasant Valley – Byron 161 kV line and the second is a second 345/161 kV transformer at the Pleasant Valley Substation. Additionally, a new six mile 161 kV line is necessary to interconnect the wind farm’s collector substation to the transmission system.

Analysis. MISO completed a facility study in 2008, which identified the facilities that are needed for delivery. Delivery of power from the Grand Meadow Wind Farm and a sister project, the Wapsipinicon North Wind Project, will require a six mile long 161 kV transmission line to the Pleasant Valley Substation. Mower County did the necessary permitting on the six mile 161 kV interconnection line and associated facilities. In addition, permits for the Pleasant Valley – Byron 161 kV line are being pursued through the PUC permitting process. This new line is necessary to ensure adequate system performance during contingencies when the wind farm is in service.

Schedule. Grand Meadow Wind Farm is currently in service. The transmission service facilities are expected to be in service in 2010.

PUC Docket Numbers. WS-07-839 (Wapsipinicon and Grand Meadow Wind Farms)

CN-07-873 (Grand Meadow Wind Farm)

CN-08-334 (Wapsipinicon Wind Farm)

CN-08-992 (Pleasant Valley – Byron 161 kV Line)

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