The permit approves the cross-border aspects of the Great Northern Transmission Line. It is the last major regulatory hurdle before construction can start on the project early next year.
State regulators approved the route for the 500-kilovolt line in February this year. Energy generated by a new dam in northern Manitoba will start moving to Minnesota Power customers in 2020.
The approved 224-mile route will cross the border between the US and Canada in Roseau County in northern Minnesota, about three miles east of Minnesota Highway 89.
It will start in Roseau County and run to an expanded electric substation at Blackberry, just east of Grand Rapids.
The 500kV line which will deliver 383MW of hydropower purchased from Manitoba Hydro to Minnesota Power,.
This project is part of Minnesota Power’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions, strengthening grid reliability and to make energy costs affordable for consumers and the process of regulating its energy mix with one third coming from hydropower, one third coming in natural gas and one third of power produced from coal.
Al Hodnik, CEO of Allete, Minnesota Power's parent company, said: “The Great Northern Transmission Line is a crucial link in Minnesota Power’s Energy Forward strategy of balancing renewable and traditional energy sources.
"Minnesota Power already has exceeded Minnesota’s 25% renewable standard, and is well – positioned to meet future decreased carbon emissions goals."
