American private equity company Lotus Infrastructure Partners launched a groundbreaking ceremony on January 19 for the 3.2 GW clean energy power line between California and Arizona, per a press release.
Apparently, VP Kamala Harris, US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, US Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, and Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs attended the Ten West Link project special event.
Notably, Ten West Link is expected to go online by the end of 2023. It will be operated by California Independent System Operator (CAISO).
Ten West Link
The Ten West Link is a long-proposed clean energy project that aims to link electrical substations in Tonopah, Arizona, and Blythe, California. Remarkably, it is a 125-mile line with an enormous voltage of 500 kV.
Remarkably, it can transmit 3,200 MW of solar power and enable connectivity for nearby new energy projects.
The new power line uses authorized utility corridors from the US Bureau of Land Management and the US Department of Energy’s “Energy Corridor.” It also stays clear of all major population centers, including the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.
“The local IBEW workers putting steel in the ground for the Ten West project are delivering on President Biden’s vision for cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable energy for all Americans.”
National Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi
Why is this important?
Ten West Link will ultimately increase the reliability and efficiency of US Southwest’s transmission system. In addition, it will make it easier for Arizona and California to develop new renewable energy and energy storage resources.
That said, both states will benefit from this project in achieving their renewable energy targets and reducing carbon emissions.
