Following the permit issued by the US Department of Energy (DOE), the ALLETE utility subsidiary can go ahead in building an international transmission line that will draw power from Manitoba Hydro’s Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project.
Construction of the 500kv line along the international border between Manitoba and Minnesota is likely to begin in early 2017. Once commissioned, the line will deliver 383MW renewable hydropower purchased from Manitoba Hydro to Minnesota Power’s customers from 2020.
The power line will not only meet the growing energy demands but will also cut down carbon emissions while strengthening reliability of the power grid.
Total project cost has been estimated in the $560-710m range by Minnesota Power which will bear an estimated cost between $300-350m.
ALLETE Chairman, President and CEO Al Hodnik said: “The Great Northern Transmission Line is a crucial link in Minnesota Power’s EnergyForward strategy of balancing renewable and traditional energy sources. Minnesota Power already has exceeded Minnesota’s 25 percent renewable standard, and is well-positioned to meet future decreased carbon emissions goals.”
The Great Northern Transmission Line will link the 500mw wind farm of Minnesota Power in North Dakota with Manitoba Hydro’s system of dams and reservoirs.
Under the power purchase deal, Manitoba Hydro can reduce the water flow through its hydro generators when excess wind power is generated from Minnesota Power’s wind farm.
On the other side, the Canadian company can release excess water stored in its dams when the winds are light or calm, to boost its hydropower production.
