National Electric Transmission Congestion Study - W2agz.com

Reference Transmission Case, which includes a
mix of new generation capacity, projects a need for
21 transmission additions and upgrades with about
3,956 miles of new lines, at a cost of nearly $8.4 billion.
In addition, CDEAC concluded that there is
“considerable overlap in the transmission recommendations
between the High Coal and High
Renewables scenarios,” finding that “the two scenarios
share five common projects covering approximately
2,021 miles of new lines for a cost of
nearly $3.6 billion.” 61 Thus, under a diverse range
of generation futures, the Western Interconnection
needs large additions to its transmission network.
Dakotas – Minnesota Conditional
Constraint Area
Across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota
and Wisconsin, there is over 300 GW of potential
wind generation capacity. 62 Figure 5-9 illustrates
the potential locations for wind development in the
Dakotas and Minnesota. Tapping this potential
would be very beneficial for the Great Plains economy,
and enhance the Nation’s energy security and
fuel diversity. The transmission needed to deliver
this generation to Midwestern markets, however,
will require contractual purchase commitments
Figure 5-7. CDEAC 2015 High Coal Generation and Associated New Transmission Lines
61 CDEAC Report, pp. 8 and 9.
62 “Midwest Wind Power Development—Transmission Planning in the Midwest IV,” presentation by Mat Schuerger, February 11, 2004, Wind
on the Wires.
U.S. Department of Energy / National Electric Transmission Congestion Study / 2006 53