National Grid News: Powering the Future with Renewable Energy and Grid Upgrades

National Grid is making significant strides in renewable energy and grid upgrades. The company has begun construction on a solar project in Ohio and completed two solar projects in Minnesota, adding 95 MW of clean energy. Additionally, National Grid is seeking an abandoned plant incentive for transmission upgrades in New England.

National Grid is at the forefront of renewable energy and grid modernization efforts. Recently, the company started construction on a 117 MW solar project in Ohio, known as the Sycamore Creek project. This project marks National Grid Renewables’ fifth solar project in Ohio, bringing their total operational and under-construction projects in the state to over 675 MW.
In Minnesota, National Grid Renewables has successfully completed two solar projects, Fillmore and Louise, which together generate 95 MW of clean energy. These projects are part of Xcel Energy’s commitment to delivering 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. The solar installations in Minnesota are connected to the Midcontinent Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO) interconnection zone and will help meet the increasing demand for renewable energy in the region.
Furthermore, National Grid is seeking an abandoned plant incentive for certain transmission upgrades as part of the Power Up New England Project. The New England States Committee on Electricity (NESCOE) strongly supports this initiative, citing the project’s potential to relieve congestion and reduce curtailed generation. The project is expected to deliver significant net benefits to New England ratepayers, with estimated annual savings of \$1.2 billion over 20 years.

1. What are the recent solar projects initiated by National Grid Renewables?
   National Grid Renewables has initiated a 117 MW solar project in Ohio (Sycamore Creek) and completed two solar projects in Minnesota (Fillmore and Louise), generating 95 MW of clean energy.
2. What is the significance of the Fillmore and Louise solar projects?
   The Fillmore and Louise projects are significant as they contribute to Xcel Energy’s goal of delivering 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 and help meet the increasing demand for renewable energy in the Upper Midwest.

3. What is the Power Up New England Project?
   The Power Up New England Project involves transmission upgrades aimed at relieving congestion and reducing curtailed generation. National Grid is seeking an abandoned plant incentive for these upgrades.

4. How does NESCOE support the Power Up New England Project?
   NESCOE supports the project by advocating for the abandoned plant incentive and ensuring cost transparency through a term sheet that outlines cost recovery and management processes.

5. What are the expected benefits of the Power Up New England Project?
   The project is expected to deliver significant net benefits to New England ratepayers, including annual savings of \$1.2 billion over 20 years, according to TCR’s analysis.

National Grid is making substantial investments in renewable energy and grid upgrades, which will significantly contribute to the transition towards a carbon-free electricity grid. The company’s recent solar projects in Ohio and Minnesota, along with its efforts to secure an abandoned plant incentive for transmission upgrades in New England, highlight its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.