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THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSMISSION LINES FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY IS COMPLEX AND REQUIRES DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION. YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FIELDS WITH WHICH WE INTERSECT, BY VISITING THE FOLLOWING LINKS:
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Transmission
For a primer on the US transmission grid and its evolution, see the following from the transmission industry trade group WIRES.
For an overview of some of the current transmission projects in the United States, please view this report by The Edison Electric Institute.
The Southeastern United States would require significant amounts of renewable demand if a federal Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) or carbon restrictions are enacted. Nevertheless, the region lacks the resources to meet such demand. In this study, additional transmission capacity from the Southwest Power Pool to SERC is shown to be economic over a range of assumptions for capital costs, natural gas and CO2 prices. In most scenarios, wind imports are shown to be beneficial compared to other methods of compliance with a Federal RES.
For an overview of the future southwest renewable energy needs and requirements, an explanation of the renewable energy gap analysis, and a discussion of the transmission planning process on an inter-state level, please review this presentation delivered by Dr. David Hurlbut of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory at the Southwest Renewable Energy Transmission Conference.
Conducted by National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Western Wind and Solar Integration Study (WWSIS) and its sister study, the Eastern Wind Integration and Transmission Study (EWITS), explore in greater detail the findings of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 20% Wind Energy by 2030 Study that considered the benefits, costs, and challenges associated with sourcing 20% of the nation’s energy from wind power by 2030.
Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy, the Exploration of Resource and Transmission Expansion Decisions in the Western Renewable Energy Zone Initiative brings together a diverse set of voices to develop data, tools and a unique forum for coordinating transmission expansion in the Western Interconnection.
For an overview of Green Power Superhighways, see this study from the American Wind Energy Association and the Solar Energy Industry Association.
For an excellent study of the Eastern Interconnection under high renewable energy penetration scenarios, please see www.jcspstudy.org.
For a discussion of the challenges of renewables deployment from an infrastructure, finance, and policy standpoint, see this video from Clean Line President Michael Skelly, part of The Future of Energy series, hosted by the Harvard University Center for the Environment.
For an overview of the policy issues around expansion of the grid, see this report from expert Mason Willrich.
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High Voltage Direct Current Transmission (HVDC)
For an explanation of some of the fundamental aspects of HVDC facilities, the differences between classic HVDC and new HVDC technology, and more information on the technical requirements for an HVDC line, please see this presentation by Joe Mooney of Power Engineers.
For a technical overview of HVDC technology, please check out technical overviews from ABB, Siemens, or Alstom.
For a brief overview of transmission efficiency, see this document from ABB. For a view of all of ABB’s HVDC converter stations from space, please visit this site.
For an assessment and analysis of high-voltage electric transmission systems with a specific focus on HVDC, underground and other new or developing technologies, see this study released by the Alberta Department of Energy.
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Renewables
For information about solar energy, solar technology, and news from Washington DC please visit the Solar Energy Industries Association.
For in-depth analysis of the issues facing the wind industry and the renewables industry in regard to transmission, please download the following document by the American Wind Energy Association.
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Smart Grid
For an overview of the US transmission system and challenges, opportunities and necessity of Smart Grid implementation please visit the Department of Energy.