Utility Dive•about 2 months ago
Southwest Power Pool to develop 765-kV regional transmission ‘backbone’
Key Takeaway
SPP's massive $8.6 billion investment in a 765-kV transmission backbone will fundamentally reshape grid reliability and generation integration across the region, creating significant opportunities for developers and ensuring more stable, affordable power for large consumers.
AI Summary
- •Southwest Power Pool (SPP) board approved an $8.6 billion investment to develop a 765-kV regional transmission 'backbone,' featuring some of the highest-voltage lines in the U.S.
- •This significant transmission expansion is designed to address critical grid challenges, acknowledging that simply adding new generation is insufficient without robust delivery infrastructure.
- •For developers, this project signals improved interconnection opportunities, reduced curtailment risks for new renewable projects, and enhanced ability to site generation in optimal locations.
- •Large power consumers, including data centers, can expect enhanced grid reliability, potentially lower congestion costs, and better access to diverse and more affordable power sources across the SPP footprint.
Topics
datacenterinterconnectpolicysolarsppstoragetransmissionwind
Article Content
SPP's board of directors approved $8.6 billion in projects, including some of the highest-voltage power lines in the United States. “Simply adding new generation will not resolve the challenges” facing the grid, it said.