Overview
Washburn Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States, operated by the Western Area Power Administration. It operates at a voltage of 230 kV, indicating a high-voltage transmission-level facility.
Washburn Substation is an operational electrical substation located in the United States, managed by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). As a high-voltage substation operating at 230 kV, it plays a critical role in the transmission grid, facilitating the efficient distribution of electricity across the region. The facility is part of WAPA's extensive network, which delivers power to utilities and federal agencies in the central and western U.S. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which set reliability standards for the bulk power system. The 230 kV voltage level is typical for transmission substations that interconnect with regional grids, ensuring stable power flow and grid resilience. The facility's location in a rural area of North Dakota supports the integration of local generation sources, including wind and hydroelectric power. Environmentally, the substation contributes to grid stability by enabling the transmission of renewable energy from the region's wind farms and hydroelectric plants to load centers. Its operation aligns with WAPA's mission to provide reliable, cost-effective power while supporting environmental stewardship. The facility's age and specific switchgear details are not disclosed, but its continued operational status underscores its importance to the regional electrical infrastructure.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in a rural area of North Dakota, a region with significant wind energy resources. Its 230 kV voltage level allows it to integrate renewable generation into the grid, supporting the transition to cleaner energy. The facility's location away from urban centers reduces local environmental impact, while its role in transmitting power over long distances helps balance supply and demand across the region.
Frequently asked questions
Washburn Substation is located in the United States, specifically in North Dakota near the coordinates 47.304801, -101.036982. It is operated by the Western Area Power Administration.
Washburn Substation operates at a voltage of 230 kV, which is a standard high-voltage level for transmission substations in the United States.
Washburn Substation is operated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a federal agency that markets and transmits hydroelectric power and other renewable energy across 15 western states.
As part of the U.S. bulk power system, Washburn Substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations, which ensure grid stability and security.
A 230 kV substation serves as a key node in the transmission network, stepping down voltage for distribution or interconnecting high-voltage lines to balance load and integrate generation sources.