USA, South Dakota: State regulators are considering permit applications for two transmission projects that would add about 260 km (160 mi) of high-voltage lines across eastern South Dakota, with completion targeted for 2034.
The larger proposal forms part of the PowerOn Midwest Project and includes about 145 km (90 mi) of 765 kV transmission line through Grant, Deuel and Brookings counties. It would run south from the Big Stone South Substation before entering Minnesota east of Brookings.
The project also includes expansions at the Big Stone and Brookings County substations and around five miles of 345 kV transmission line. The South Dakota portion is estimated to cost between $1.3 B and $1.7 B.
A second proposal from Otter Tail Power Company would add 114km (71 mi) of 345 kV transmission line from the Big Stone South Substation north through Grant and Roberts counties into North Dakota. The South Dakota section is estimated to cost between $191 M and $229 M.
Together, the projects represent potential investment of up to about $1.93 B in South Dakota transmission infrastructure.
The developers say the projects are intended to improve grid reliability and increase transmission capacity to serve additional generation and large electricity users, including data centres and other industrial demand.
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission is considering permit applications for both projects.
Source: South Dakota Searchlight
