Overview
Belfield Substation is an operational electrical substation in North Dakota, United States, owned and operated by Basin Electric Power Cooperative. It handles voltages of 345 kV and 230 kV, serving regional grid stability.
Belfield Substation is a key electrical infrastructure facility located in North Dakota, United States. Owned and operated by Basin Electric Power Cooperative, the substation is operational and plays a critical role in the regional power grid. With voltage levels of 345 kV and 230 kV, it is classified as a high-voltage substation, typical of transmission-level assets that interconnect major power lines. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. As part of the Basin Electric system, it supports the cooperative's mission to provide reliable electricity to member rural electric systems across the region. The facility's voltage levels indicate its importance in long-distance power transmission and grid stability. Environmentally, the substation is situated in a rural area of western North Dakota, a region known for its energy production including coal, wind, and oil. The facility's role in transmitting power from generation sources to load centers contributes to the efficient use of energy resources. Its operational status ensures continued support for local communities and industries that depend on a stable electricity supply.
Environmental context
Located in rural North Dakota, Belfield Substation operates in a region with significant energy production from coal, wind, and oil. The substation's high-voltage transmission capability supports the integration of renewable energy sources like wind power into the grid, while also facilitating the delivery of electricity from conventional plants. Its rural setting minimizes direct environmental impact on densely populated areas, but the facility's role in grid stability is crucial for managing load fluctuations and preventing outages.
Frequently asked questions
Belfield Substation is located in North Dakota, United States, near the city of Belfield. Its coordinates are approximately 46.84° N latitude and -103.07° W longitude.
Belfield Substation operates at two voltage levels: 345 kV and 230 kV, making it a high-voltage substation critical for long-distance power transmission and grid interconnection.
Belfield Substation is owned and operated by Basin Electric Power Cooperative, a generation and transmission cooperative serving member systems across the Great Plains region.
As part of the US bulk power system, Belfield Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, ensuring grid stability and security.
Substations like Belfield transform voltage levels for efficient transmission and distribution, switch circuits, and protect the grid from faults. They are essential nodes in the electrical infrastructure.