The state of Minnesota plans to have carbon-free electricity by 2040. Minnesota Power/ALLETE is investing in cleaner and cheaper energy with modernizing, upgrading, and expanding their high-voltage direct-current transmission system. 

Dan Gunderson, is the Vice President of Transmission and Distribution with Minnesota Power. He says the project received over $75 million in federal and state funds. Gunderson also says Minnesota Power/ALLETE investing in their HVDC substation will help maintain a strong, reliable grid as the demand for energy grows.

“It’s a perfect kind of transition to renewable energy. But the reason to use direct current? It’s far more efficient than alternating current is over long distances,” Gunderson said. “One unique thing with that line is it was already built to transmit more than at the time it was built that we’re currently using now. So it’s a nice project from that perspective.”

The idea for the HVDC project started in 2014. But now ten years later it can finally start making progress with the secured funding.

“We will be groundbreaking as soon as available next spring. We’ll start with the civil work on the project and the associated electrical infrastructure. We’re hoping to have this in service by 2029,” Gunderson said. “So it’s a very, very large project, but a lot of focus to get that in service by 2029.”

The current station used to generate electricity from coal. Although moving forward it will be wind based electricity when the HVDC project is finished.

Under Secretary of Infrastructure with the U.S. Department of Energy, David Crane says Minnesota Power/ALLETE’s investment is critical not just in the Northland.

“The Northland is a fundamental part, not just of Minnesota’s economy, but the whole country’s economy. So this line enables the transport of a lot of electricity, even though it’s bi-directional line, electricity can go both ways. Historically, electricity has traveled from the Dakotas to Minnesota, and that was coal-fired generation,” Crane said. “But with the changes that are going on in the Dakotas, this is going to enable the importation of hundreds of megawatts of low-cost wind resources into this part of the country.”

Minnesota Power’s HVDC project is among more than 45 energy projects in Minnesota
selected for federal funding. The project is estimated to cost up to $940 million. Construction could begin
this year with the upgrades expected to be in service between 2028 and 2030.