Overview
Maple River Substation is a high-voltage electrical substation in North Dakota, United States, operated by Minnkota Power Cooperative and Xcel Energy. It handles multiple voltage levels including 345 kV, 230 kV, 115 kV, and 69 kV.
Maple River Substation is a key electrical infrastructure facility located in North Dakota, United States. It is jointly operated by Minnkota Power Cooperative and Xcel Energy, serving as a critical node in the regional transmission grid. The substation handles multiple voltage levels, including 345 kV, 230 kV, 115 kV, and 69 kV, indicating its role in both bulk power transmission and local distribution. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). As a transmission-level asset, it is subject to NERC reliability standards to ensure grid stability and security. The facility's voltage levels suggest it is a major interconnection point, likely serving both urban and rural loads in the region. Maple River Substation plays a vital role in the electrical infrastructure of the Upper Midwest, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources such as wind power, which is prevalent in the region. Its strategic location and voltage capabilities contribute to grid reliability and the efficient transmission of electricity across state lines.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in the Red River Valley region of North Dakota, an area characterized by flat agricultural land and a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The facility's high-voltage infrastructure is critical for transmitting electricity from wind farms in the region to load centers, supporting renewable energy integration. The surrounding environment is predominantly rural, with minimal urban encroachment, reducing local environmental impacts.
Frequently asked questions
Maple River Substation is located in North Dakota, United States, near the Red River Valley. Its coordinates are approximately 46.917551 N, -96.874297 W.
Maple River Substation handles multiple voltage levels: 345 kV, 230 kV, 115 kV, and 69 kV. These voltages indicate its role in both high-voltage transmission and sub-transmission/distribution.
Maple River Substation is jointly operated by Minnkota Power Cooperative and Xcel Energy, two major utilities in the Upper Midwest region of the United States.
As a transmission-level substation in the United States, Maple River Substation is subject to NERC reliability standards and FERC regulation. These ensure grid stability, cybersecurity, and operational compliance.
Maple River Substation serves as a critical interconnection point, facilitating the transmission of electricity from generation sources, including wind farms, to load centers. Its multiple voltage levels allow it to integrate bulk power and local distribution.