B_0616_TEM_Pipeline_Clean_Energy

New Transmission Line for Wind Energy

May 19, 2016

This project will safely move clean energy across hundreds of miles.

Wind power is about to get a needed boost of support via a 705-mile transmission line. Approved by the DOE, the Plains & Eastern Clean Line Project will deliver up to 4,000 MW of wind power from the Oklahoma and Texas panhandle regions to customers in the Mid-South and Southeast. The infrastructure will move remote but plentiful power to areas where electricity is in high demand, supplying enough power for 1.5 million homes.    

The project will address infrastructure challenges outlined in the 2015 Quadrennial Energy Review (QER), which provides recommendations for energy transmission, storage and distribution infrastructure. The QER found that new long-distance transmission capacity like Clean Line has the potential to enable lower carbon electricity, enhance system reliability and operate at a reasonable cost to consumers.

Rather than alternating current (AC) transmission lines as are traditionally used for grid infrastructure, the project will rely on high voltage direct current (HVDC). This system can move more power with lower electrical losses. Higher efficiency means a lower transmission cost, helping renewable energy compete with other power sources. HVDC transmission lines also require narrower right-of-way footprints than equivalent AC lines.

A number of protections for taxpayers, ratepayers and land owners have been put in place. For example, the project will include a 500 MW converter station in Arkansas to ensure that consumers in the state can benefit from the renewable energy delivered by the project. The participation agreement also ensures that no liability falls on the ratepayers if the project were ever to fail.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Building Better Schools

Download this digital resource to better understand the challenges and opportunities in designing and operating educational facilities for safety, sustainability, and performance...

Tips to Keep Facility Management on Track

How do you plan to fill the knowledge gap as seasoned facility managers retire or leave for new opportunities? Learn about the latest strategies including FM tech innovations ...

The Beauty & Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Built Environment

Biophilic design is a hot trend in design, but what is it and how can building professionals incorporate these strategies for the benefits of occupants? This eHandbook offers ...

The Benefits of Migrating from Analog to DMR Two-Way Radios

Are you still using analog two-way radios? Download this white paper and discover the simple and cost-effective migration path to digital DMR radios that deliver improved audio...