Overview
Penascal Substation is an operational substation in the United States, owned by Iberdrola. It operates at 345 kV and 34.5 kV, serving as a key node in the regional electrical grid.
Penascal Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, owned and operated by Iberdrola. The facility handles voltage levels of 345 kV and 34.5 kV, indicating its role in both high-voltage transmission and lower-voltage distribution within the grid. As part of Iberdrola's portfolio, it supports the integration of renewable energy sources, particularly wind power from nearby projects. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes NERC reliability standards and FERC oversight for transmission assets. The 345 kV voltage level classifies it as a high-voltage substation critical for bulk power transfer and grid stability. The 34.5 kV side likely connects to local distribution networks or renewable generation facilities. Typical equipment includes circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear compliant with IEEE standards. Environmentally, the substation's location in southern Texas places it in a region prone to hurricanes and extreme weather, necessitating robust design for resilience. Its role in connecting wind energy to the grid contributes to reducing carbon emissions. The facility supports local communities by ensuring reliable power delivery and facilitating the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a coastal region of Texas, an area with high wind energy potential. Its operation supports the integration of renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The local environment includes sensitive ecosystems such as wetlands and coastal habitats, requiring careful management of potential impacts like electromagnetic fields and stormwater runoff. The facility's design likely incorporates measures to withstand hurricane-force winds and flooding.
Frequently asked questions
Penascal Substation is located in the United States, specifically in southern Texas near the Gulf Coast. Its coordinates are approximately 27.103268 N, -97.528757 W.
Penascal Substation operates at two voltage levels: 345,000 volts (345 kV) for high-voltage transmission and 34,500 volts (34.5 kV) for sub-transmission or distribution.
Penascal Substation is owned and operated by Iberdrola, a global energy company with significant renewable energy assets in the United States.
As a substation in the United States, Penascal Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission assets. It also adheres to IEEE and ANSI standards for equipment and safety.
Penascal Substation serves as a critical node in the Texas electrical grid, connecting high-voltage transmission lines to lower-voltage distribution networks. It likely facilitates the integration of wind energy from nearby wind farms into the bulk power system.