The coming nexus of wind and solar

interconnection to the grid

The 765 kV Interstate Electric Highway

John F. Stough

July 2008

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 Significant Need for Investment
The
The current
current U.S.
U.S. transmission
transmission system
system cannot
cannot support
support the
the demand
demand of
of tomorrow’s
tomorrow’s energy
energy supply
supply needs
needs

„ Investment in transmission has lagged load

growth

„ Transmission congestion equates to increased

costs to customers

„ Large-scale wind and solar generation in

remote areas requires a high-capacity
transmission system for efficient energy
movement to customers

„ Transmission problems can impact an entire

region across multiple states

„ Similarly, interstate transmission

improvements can benefit multiple states
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 The AEP Footprint (and a short commercial message)

Strength
Strength &
& Scale
Scale in
in Assets
Assets &
& Operations
Operations

„ 5.1 million customers in 11 states

„ Industry-leading size and scale of assets:

Asset Size Industry Rank

Domestic Generation ~38,400 MW #2
Transmission ~39,000 miles #1
Distribution ~208,000 miles #1

„ Number One Transmission Company in the US

„Over 39,000 Transmission Circuit Miles

„Leading 765 kV Experts

A E P G e n e r a t i o n P o r t f o li o
Coal Gas N u c le a r H yd ro W in d
67% 24% 6% 2% 1%

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 Building an Interstate Transmission System

A national interstate transmission grid overlay enables:

„ A more sustainable national electricity supply portfolio, including tapping
extraordinary renewable energy and generation technology potential.

„ Market efficiencies and operational flexibility, including reduced congestion,

lower line losses and a greater ability to schedule transmission outages and
maintenance.

„ Broader impact of demand-side options and load leveling, lowering the need
for new generation.

„ National security by enhancing reliability beyond the minimalist standards of

today, and removing barriers to supply options.

„ Wind energy is utility scale today. Solar energy will be utility scale in the
future.

„ We need to anticipate both now, for future customers and prosperity.

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Building an Interstate Transmission: 765-kV Value Proposition

Advanced
Advanced Technology
Technology Environmental Stewardship
Environmental Stewardship

„ Advanced six-conductor bundles

for higher capacity, lower line
losses and reduced noise
„ Fiber-optic shield wires for
better protection and control
„ Wide-area monitoring, control,
and remote diagnostics
„ Independent-phase operation for
improved line performance
„ Line design and right-of-way
usage for least environmental
impact

More capacity on less land

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 Designing Tomorrow’s System

„ Big pipes needed for big wind. (And for solar over next 5-10 years)
„ Incremental planning will not get wind to 20%.
„ Building high capacity transmission now, for next generation technology.

„ Interconnection to backbone system can be optimized for wind and solar.

„ Multiple projects can share new “on ramps.”
„ Unloaded lower-voltage lines that can be used for new interconnections.

„ President Eisenhower in 1956 chose an interstate overlay rather than “just in

time” upgrades to the US route system, and as a result.....
„ Interstate commerce flourished with increased access and mobility.
„ National security and safety were enhanced.

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The new energy crossroads is in the center of the USA

Existing 765 kV
New 765 kV
AC-DC-AC Link

Start Here!

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 The Goldilocks renewable energy region
Not too windy, not too sunny, but just right for both

Start Here!

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Wind and solar can use the same on-ramps to get energy to the
Interstate Electric Superhighway

250 MW 250 MW
To Load Centers

765-kV

345-kV 138-kV

250 MW

100 MW

138-kV
250 MW

100 MW

100 MW

138-kV

100 MW

765-kV
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To Load Centers