Allete subsidiary Minnesota Power has energised the 250MW Great Northern transmission line delivering renewable energy linked to storage across two US states and one Canadian province.
The 360-km Great Northern link transports renewable energy from Manitoba in Canada to Minnesota Power customers, via a substation near Grand Rapids.
The 500kV line consists of 800 tower structures which were fabricated in the US and used 10,000 tons of North American steel.
About 3450km of wire were required to install the line’s conductors.
Great Northern is connected to Manitoba Hydro’s recently completed Manitoba-Minnesota transmission project at the border.
The companies said they now have a unique ‘wind storage’ mechanism that quickly balances energy supply and demand in Minnesota and Manitoba.
Allete president and chief executive Bethany Owen said: “This is such an incredible achievement for Minnesota Power, Allete, and our region, and is the culmination of a decade-long vision brought to life by our talented and dedicated employees.
“The GNTL will help Minnesota Power to provide our customers with 50% renewable energy less than a year from now.
“As part of our EnergyForward strategy, it also strengthens the grid across the Midwest and in Canada, enhancing reliability for all of our customers.”
Allete executive chairman Al Hodnik said: “The seed for this renewable energy initiative was planted in 2008 when Minnesota Power proposed purchasing 250 megawatts of hydropower from Manitoba Hydro.
“Beyond the transmission line, it also included a creative asset swap to move wind power from North Dakota to Minnesota, innovative power purchase agreements, and a remarkable advocacy process to find an acceptable route for the GNTL.
“It marries wind and water in a unique connection that will help transform the energy landscape of North America and reduce carbon emissions related to the existential threat of climate change.”
Manitoba Hydro chief executive Jay Grewal said: “The completion of Minnesota Power’s Great Northern Transmission Line and our Manitoba-Minnesota transmission project is a testament to the creativity, perseverance, cooperation and skills of hundreds of people over so many years on both sides of the border.
“Perhaps even more importantly, it is a testament to the wonderful, longstanding relationship between our two companies and two countries.
“It shows just how much we can accomplish when we all work together toward a common goal.”