Overview
Grand Coulee Number One Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, located near the Grand Coulee Dam. It plays a key role in transmitting power from the dam to the regional grid.
Grand Coulee Number One Substation is an operational electrical substation situated in the state of Washington, United States, near the Grand Coulee Dam. As a substation, it serves as a critical node in the electrical infrastructure, stepping down high-voltage power from the dam for distribution. The facility is part of the larger Grand Coulee Dam complex, one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), ensuring grid reliability and compliance with standards. Substations of this scale typically handle high-voltage transmission, often in the range of 230 kV to 500 kV, to efficiently transmit power over long distances. Located in a rural area of central Washington, the substation is integral to the region's energy landscape, supporting the transmission of renewable hydroelectric power to urban centers. Its proximity to the Columbia River and the dam underscores its role in sustainable energy distribution, contributing to grid stability and the integration of clean energy sources.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a semi-arid region of eastern Washington, near the Columbia River. The area's electrical infrastructure supports the transmission of hydroelectric power, which has a lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel-based generation. The facility's location in a rural setting minimizes direct environmental impact on densely populated areas, while its role in transmitting renewable energy aids in regional decarbonization efforts.
Frequently asked questions
Grand Coulee Number One Substation is located in the state of Washington, United States, near the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River.
The substation serves as a critical node in the electrical grid, stepping down high-voltage power from the Grand Coulee Dam for distribution to the regional power network.
Substations in the US are typically operated by utilities or grid operators such as the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which manages the federal transmission system in the Pacific Northwest.
The substation operates under NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, which govern the reliability and security of the bulk power system in the United States.
It is part of the Grand Coulee Dam complex, one of the largest hydroelectric facilities in the world, and plays a key role in transmitting renewable energy to the grid, supporting regional energy needs and grid stability.