Minnesota Power Announces Projects to Accelerate Wind Energy and Cut Carbon Emissions

May 16, 2008 – Vol.13 No.8

Minnesota Power Announces Projects to Accelerate Wind Energy and Cut Carbon Emissions.

The utility proposes to purchase a major transmission line from North Dakota, phase out a long-term contract to buy coal-based electricity, and add several hundred megawatts of wind generation.

The purchase for $80 million of an existing direct current (DC) transmission line that extends from the wind-rich plains of central North Dakota to the Arrowhead Substation in Hermantown, Minnesota will support wind development in North Dakota.

The DC line was built three decades ago to move low-cost coal-based electricity from North Dakota to power the growing taconite industry in northeast Minnesota’s Iron Range.

Over the next several years, Minnesota Power will phase out its generation rights at Young Unit 2. Minnkota will pursue new options for delivering power from the Young Station to its primary customers in the Red River Valley. Electricity generated at the coal fired Young Station is presently shared by Minnesota Power and Minnkota Power Cooperative, an affiliate of the Square Butte Cooperative.

Minnesota Power plans to add several hundred megawatts of new wind generation near Center, North Dakota, where the wind resources are considered among the best in the nation. This wind-generated power will be transmitted over the DC line to be purchased. The additional wind generation will partially make up for the lost Young 2 power.

Minnesota Power, an ALLETE company, supplies electric service to 141,000 retail customers, 16 municipalities and some of the largest industrial customers in the United States.

Links:

Minnesota Power
http://www.mnpower.com

Disclaimer, Forward-Looking or Safe Harbor Statement on original press release: No