Overview
Cardwell Substation is an operational electrical substation owned by Bonneville Power Administration in the United States, operating at 115 kV to support regional grid stability.
Cardwell Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). The facility operates at a voltage level of 115 kV, placing it within the sub-transmission or distribution voltage range typical for regional power distribution and grid interconnection. As part of BPA's extensive transmission network in the Pacific Northwest, Cardwell Substation plays a role in the reliable delivery of hydroelectric power from federal dams to local utilities and end-users. The substation's equipment likely includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear designed to manage power flows and ensure grid stability in accordance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. The substation's location in a rural area near the Columbia River corridor supports the integration of renewable energy resources and provides critical infrastructure for the regional power grid. Its operational status contributes to the resilience of the electrical network serving communities and industries in the region.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a region characterized by temperate rainforest and proximity to the Columbia River, which supports hydroelectric generation. The facility's operation involves minimal direct environmental impact, though its role in grid stability is crucial for integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which are prevalent in the Pacific Northwest.
Frequently asked questions
Cardwell Substation is located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 46.045642° N, -122.844459° W, near the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest region.
Cardwell Substation operates at a voltage of 115 kV, which is typical for sub-transmission and distribution substations in the United States.
Cardwell Substation is owned by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a federal agency that markets wholesale electrical power from federal hydroelectric dams in the Pacific Northwest.
As part of the US electrical grid, Cardwell Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets, ensuring grid stability and security.
Substations like Cardwell are critical for voltage transformation, power distribution, and grid interconnection, enabling reliable electricity delivery from generation sources to consumers.