Center for Rural Affairs Releases Map of Clean Energy Transmission Projects
Map highlights Nebraska clean energy transmission projects.
Lyons, NE – Today the Center for Rural Affairs released a map and informational database of proposed clean energy transmission projects throughout the Great Plains and Upper Midwest, including two proposed lines in Nebraska. The database is continuously updated to include both new lines and new information for projects currently listed.
Center for Rural Affairs Energy Advocate and map designer Johnathan Hladik stated, “We believe wind energy projects are best when they involve the entire community in planning and when the opportunity is shared broadly. We encourage local advocates, elected officials and others to get involved in the planning process around these lines.â€
The map highlights two important lines in Nebraska:
Nebraska – Maryville – Sibley – This project is part of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Priority Project initiative, designed to reduce congestion and improve reliability. At 345 kV, this 175 mile line will allow for more efficient power sharing within the SPP region and create opportunity for new power sources. While the line has been approved by the SPP Board of Directors, the state-level routing and siting process continues. Construction is expected to be complete by 2017. To learn more, visit: http://www.cfra.org/nebraska-
KETA Project – Creating new markets for renewable energy, this project will span a distance of 215 miles while featuring three separate segments of 345 kV line. ITC will build two of the three segments with the Nebraska Public Power District completing the third. Construction was slated to wrap up in June of 2013, though officials are pushing for an earlier date. More information can be found at: http://www.cfra.org/
These are just two of twenty proposed projects across the region that are mapped along with detailed and updated development information at http://www.cfra.org/clean-
“These transmission projects are critical to unleashing the tremendous wind energy potential of the region, and hold the key to the thousands of jobs projected to come from wind energy development,†explained Hladik.
“Clean energy transmission is more important now than ever. Congress, the Department of Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are all working to change the way renewable energy is integrated into the electric grid,†added Hladik. “Now is the time to make your voice heard, to become familiar with these issues and make sure that new transmission lines are built in a way that works best for you, your community, and your economy.â€
The Center for Rural Affairs recently released a report, Connect the Dots: Transmission and Rural America, highlighting the rural economic potential of wind energy development that will be unleashed if transmission projects like these are advanced. That report can be found at http://www.cfra.org/files/
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Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, non-profit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.
