Overview
Ocotillo Wind Substation, operated by Duke Energy in Texas, is an operational substation with voltage levels of 138 kV and 34.5 kV, supporting wind energy transmission.
Ocotillo Wind Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Texas, United States, owned and operated by Duke Energy. The facility handles voltage levels of 138 kV and 34.5 kV, indicating its role in collecting power from wind generation and stepping it up for transmission. As a substation in the U.S., it operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight for transmission-level assets. The 138 kV voltage class is typical for sub-transmission and interconnection of renewable energy plants, while the 34.5 kV level is common for wind turbine collection systems. The substation plays a critical role in integrating renewable energy into the grid, supporting the Ocotillo Wind project. Its location in Texas, a state with significant wind energy capacity, underscores its importance in facilitating clean power delivery to the broader electrical infrastructure.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a semi-arid region of Texas, where wind energy development has expanded rapidly. The facility's design and operation must consider local environmental factors such as dust, temperature extremes, and wildlife interactions, particularly with avian species. Proper siting and maintenance help minimize ecological impact while supporting renewable energy goals.
Frequently asked questions
Ocotillo Wind Substation is located in Texas, United States, at coordinates 32.131989, -101.393818.
The substation handles voltage levels of 138,000 volts (138 kV) and 34,500 volts (34.5 kV), typical for wind farm interconnection and sub-transmission.
The substation is owned and operated by Duke Energy, a major utility company in the United States.
Substations in the US must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission assets, ensuring safe and reliable operation.
The substation collects power from wind turbines and steps up voltage for transmission, integrating renewable energy into the Texas electrical grid.