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An outdated and congested transmission system has presented challenges for New York in its pursuit of renewable energy, impeding the effective delivery of clean power from the state’s upstate wind and solar resources to consumers in the downstate area. This limitation threatens New York’s ambitious target of achieving 50% renewable energy by the year 2030.
The New York Energy Solution project, managed by New York Transco—a firm dedicated to enhancing transmission infrastructure across New York—aims to address these issues by modernizing the state’s transmission capabilities.
In seeking regulatory approval, the project must ensure that new transmission lines remain at similar elevations to existing lines, thus reducing any potential visual and environmental impacts. Another significant hurdle is maintaining grid reliability throughout the construction phase. This necessitates a well-coordinated outage strategy to ensure that multiple 115-kV transmission lines stay energized during infrastructure upgrades. Any interruption could have repercussions for critical substations and end users, making meticulous scheduling and execution imperative.
With four distinct transmission owners involved, each with their specific operational limits and regulatory frameworks, continuous collaboration and communication are essential for success. Additionally, the lingering repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have posed supply chain challenges, impacting the availability of materials and thereby requiring proactive measures to stick to the project’s timeline.
To navigate these complexities, the project demanded careful planning, innovative engineering approaches, and seamless cooperation among all stakeholders involved.
The Solution
To bolster New York’s transmission framework while minimizing impacts on the environment and surrounding communities, New York Transco chose Burns & McDonnell to handle engineer-procure-construct (EPC) services for the extensive 55-mile upgrade within the existing right-of-way.
This upgrade includes the replacement of the existing double-circuit 115-kV line with a more robust double-circuit 345-kV/115-kV line, enhancing both capacity and reliability. An integral part of the project is the establishment of the Knickerbocker Switching Station, a new 345-kV facility designed to optimize the distribution of high-voltage electricity. Concurrently, the Churchtown Switching Station underwent reconstruction and modernization to function as a state-of-the-art 115-kV facility, further improving the system’s resilience and operational adaptability.
At the Pleasant Valley Substation, which incorporates both 345-kV and 115-kV components, modifications were made to accommodate an upsurge in power flow and align the new transmission lines with the existing grid. To enhance operational stability, a new Van Wagner Capacitor Bank Station—also at the 345-kV level—was constructed to support voltage regulation and improve overall power quality.
In order to satisfy permitting obligations and address community concerns, the project team ensured that the new double-circuit 345-kV/115-kV lines matched the height of the current 115-kV infrastructure. Maintaining grid reliability during construction was prioritized, leading to a comprehensive outage plan to keep multiple 115-kV lines active throughout the upgrades. This careful orchestration of activities ensured the uninterrupted flow of power to vital substations.
Burns & McDonnell facilitated collaboration among involved parties, promoting project efficiency while fulfilling both technical and regulatory parameters. Even amidst widespread supply chain challenges, the team demonstrated proactive management in procurement by strategically planning and forming key vendor partnerships that ensured timely delivery of essential components, thereby keeping the project on track both budget-wise and schedule-wise.
In addition to the overarching upgrades, the initiative also encompassed the replacement of 2.2 miles of 115-kV transmission line and the reconductoring of a 0.8-mile segment of the double-circuit 345-kV line to enhance overall performance and alleviate bottlenecks. These improvements significantly strengthened New York’s bulk power system, aligned with the state’s renewable energy aspirations, and bolstered grid reliability.
The Results
The New York Energy Solution initiative has significantly reinforced the state’s transmission capabilities and facilitated the integration of more renewable energy sources.
Major accomplishments from this project encompass:
- 1.2 million work hours without a lost time incident, showcasing a robust safety culture.
- Enhanced grid efficiency by mitigating congestion, which allows for increased renewable energy to flow from upstate to downstate.
- Support for state-level efforts aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
- The project was energized six months ahead of the initial schedule.
Beyond technical advancements, the project has also spurred job creation, stimulated local economies, and decreased reliance on fossil fuels. By improving the delivery of renewable energy, this initiative has contributed significantly to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, positioning New York as a frontrunner in sustainable energy infrastructure.
Overall, the New York Energy Solution project serves as a benchmark for large-scale modernization efforts in transmission systems, illustrating how cutting-edge engineering, strategic execution, and robust collaboration can yield safe, effective, and efficient clean energy solutions.
By surmounting substantial engineering, regulatory, and logistical obstacles, this project establishes a new standard for transmission infrastructure upgrades, paving the way for a more resilient, efficient, and renewable-powered power grid.
Source
www.renewableenergyworld.com