Western Area Power Administration Approves Interconnection of 504 Megawatt Wind Project in Wyoming

The Western Area Power Administration on July 19 announced a record of decision approving two interconnection requests related to ConnectGen’s proposed Rail Tie Wind Project, a 504 megawatt wind energy generation project located in Albany County, Wyoming. The agency is one of four power marketing administrations within the U.S. Energy Department, which transmits wholesale electricity across a 15-state region of the central and western U.S.

An extensive environmental review, conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, resulted in the federal approval. The agency offers capacity on its transmission system to deliver electricity when capacity is available. The technical analyses and the comprehensive study of the environmental impact statement supported the interconnection decision, according to the press release. The approval adds to the project’s list of major permissions from federal, state, and local agencies.

ConnectGen expects to locate the project near an existing transmission line to reduce costs and impacts associated with the construction of a new line. The company will be responsible for the construction of the switchyard as well as for any additional required upgrades to the system. However, the switchyard would be owned, operated, and maintained by the power administration  once it is completed as a part of its transmission system.

The project is expected to serve increasing market demand within the Western Interconnection, driven by state renewable portfolio standards and clean energy goals. Further, there is increased demand from western load-serving entities owing to the low cost of wind energy and planned retirements of thermal generation plants.

The project represents a capital investment of over  $500 million and is expected to generate approximately $130 million in state and local tax revenues during construction and over its lifetime, according to the project developer.

In comparison to thermal U.S. electric generation, this project should offset about 900,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, providing the equivalent of emissions-free energy for approximately 180,000 households.

The project will be connected to the existing Ault-Craig 345-kilovolt line. The wind farm of up to 149 turbines will be installed on a site of approximately 26,000 acres and the project will be built in two phases. A wide range of infrastructure would be required for the project, including access roads, collection lines, substations, control buildings, meteorological towers, and other necessary components.