Overview
Alcoa Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, owned and operated by Bonneville Power Administration. It handles voltages of 230 kV and 115 kV, serving the regional grid.
Alcoa Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). As a key node in BPA's transmission network, it plays a critical role in the Pacific Northwest's electrical infrastructure, supporting the integration of hydropower and other generation sources. The substation operates at dual voltage levels of 230 kV and 115 kV, which are common for high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission in the region. BPA, a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Energy, manages the majority of the high-voltage transmission in the Pacific Northwest, adhering to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. The facility's location near Portland, Oregon, places it in an urban-industrial corridor with significant electricity demand. Environmentally, the substation supports the region's clean energy goals by facilitating the transmission of hydropower from the Columbia River system. Its operation is integral to grid stability and reliability, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility's age and specific equipment are not detailed, but typical substations of this scale incorporate modern switchgear and automation per ISO/IEC 61850 standards.
Environmental context
Located in the Pacific Northwest, Alcoa Substation operates in a region dominated by hydropower from the Columbia River basin, which provides low-carbon electricity. The substation's urban setting near Portland means it supports a dense population center while minimizing transmission losses. Its dual-voltage capability allows efficient integration of renewable energy sources, contributing to regional grid resilience.
Frequently asked questions
Alcoa Substation is located in the United States, near Portland, Oregon, at coordinates 45.651832, -122.727456. It is owned and operated by the Bonneville Power Administration.
Alcoa Substation operates at 230 kV and 115 kV, which are standard high-voltage and sub-transmission levels used for regional power distribution.
Alcoa Substation is operated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a federal agency that manages high-voltage transmission in the Pacific Northwest.
As part of the US transmission grid, Alcoa Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. It likely uses ISO/IEC 61850 for substation automation.
Alcoa Substation supports grid stability by connecting hydropower from the Columbia River to the Portland area, serving residential, commercial, and industrial loads.