bnr-500-kv-transmission
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  4. Design Studies for 500-kV Transmission

Design Studies for 500-kV Transmission

We served as owner’s engineer and lead electrical engineer for a transformative 732-mile transmission system, supporting millions of homes and businesses with low-carbon electricity.

Location

  • United States

Client

  • Confidential

Project Status

  • Completed

Transmission Range

  • Destination region ranges from south central Wyoming to Delta, Utah, extending to south of Las Vegas

A transmission system capable of delivering 3,000-MW of wind-generated electricity from Wyoming to Nevada required extensive planning, permitting and technical validation across multiple jurisdictions. The system also needed to enable bidirectional energy flow to allow renewable energy from the desert Southwest to reach the Rocky Mountain region.

To support the development of this 732-mile-long transmission system, we served as the owner’s engineer and lead electrical engineer, guiding and performing critical technical studies and design efforts. We provided preliminary engineering, vendor coordination and technical leadership to help the client advance this transformative renewable energy infrastructure project.

 

Turning ambition into action

Our technical contributions included the design and analysis of a 405-mile-long, 500-kV high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line spanning three states. Our team conducted critical studies on HVDC ground electrode placement and design, DC transmission line design and operation and assessments related to the Western Electricity Coordinating Council path rating process.

We also evaluated estimated corona losses, audible noise and radio interference for the HVDC line. As part of our engineering support, we prepared preliminary design packages for the HVDC terminals, including general arrangements, one-line diagrams, design criteria and cost estimates. Acting as the technical liaison with HVDC vendors, we provided scoping, layout, estimating and conceptual system configuration to ensure alignment with project goals.

Miles of total transmission length
732
Miles of 500-kV line
405
MW of scalable transmission capacity
1,500+

Delivering resilient energy to millions

The transmission system will play a vital role in delivering low-carbon electricity to millions of homes and businesses by reliably transporting wind and solar energy across the western United States. Designed with scalability in mind, the HVDC terminals will be phased over time to increase transmission capacity from 1,500-MW to 3,000-MW. Following permitting, the project entered the technical specification development stage, marking a significant milestone in its progress toward implementation.

This is a rare project, integrating both HVDC and HVAC systems to deliver the power transfer flexibility required. It involved more stakeholders than even the largest transmission line projects and was successfully designed through outstanding collaboration among our team members.

Other challenges that we have overcome