The US’ California Independent System Operator (CAISO) has approved a new 2023-2024 transmission plan, which recommends 26 new power transmission projects to support the addition of 85 GW of new capacity by 2035, including projects to connect the first phase of offshore wind development in the US State to the grid.
Specific projects in the US$6.1bn plan, most notably to integrate offshore wind from the North Coast, include a new Humboldt 500 kV substation with a 500/115 kV transformer; a new 418 km HVDC line to interconnect the new Humboldt substation to the Collinsville 500 kV substation; and a new 225 km 500 kV AC line to interconnect the new Humboldt substation to the Fern Road 500 kV substation.
In addition, the California ISO has also approved Pattern Energy’s application to connect its 885 km SunZia line into the California system. The SunZia line, stretching between central New Mexico and south-central Arizona, will be able to transport 3 GW of wind energy to California and neighbouring states. The line is currently under construction.