Goat Wind Substation: High-Voltage Electrical Substation in the United States

Goat Wind Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, with coordinates 31.940782, -100.827049. It operates at a voltage of 345 kV, indicating a high-voltage transmission-level facility that is critical for bulk power transfer. The substation is part of the electrical infrastructure supporting wind energy integration, likely connected to nearby wind farms. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes NERC reliability standards and FERC oversight for transmission assets. At 345 kV, it is classified as a high-voltage substation, typically used for long-distance power transmission and interconnection of large generation sources. The facility is designed to handle significant power flows and ensure grid stability. As a wind substation, Goat Wind Substation is essential for collecting and transmitting electricity from wind turbines to the main grid. Its location in Texas, a state with substantial wind capacity, underscores its role in renewable energy integration. The substation contributes to grid reliability and supports the transition to cleaner energy sources.

The substation is located in a semi-arid region of Texas, characterized by open plains and agricultural land. Its operation supports wind energy, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel generation. However, the substation's infrastructure may have localized impacts on land use and wildlife, particularly birds and bats. The high-voltage lines require rights-of-way that can fragment habitats, though proper siting and mitigation measures can minimize these effects.