The SOO Green HVDC Link will be built along an operating railroad from the Mason City, Iowa area to the Chicago, Illinois area.
Placing transmission cables underground in a secure, monitored operating railroad line provides additional security. Unlike AC transmission lines, HVDC underground cables do not radiate fluctuating electromagnetic fields or generate induced currents. This modern DC technology is insulated and self-contained, efficient and safe for humans, animals and the environment.
The project will use two 5-inch diameter (about the size of a wine bottle), 525KV extruded cross link polyethylene (XLPE) insulated cables installed in a 2 ½’ wide x 5’ deep trench.
SOO Green HVDC Link will construct two VSC power converter stations at either end of the 350-mile HVDC line. These VSC stations, which will be the largest ever built in the U.S., will convert Alternating Current (AC) power produced by wind and solar generators in MISO to Direct Current (DC) to enable transmission over the line and then back to AC power for distribution to customers in PJM.
SOO Green estimates a three-year development phase and a three-year construction phase.
OPEN TRENCH
SOO Green will dig an approximately 3-foot-wide, 5-foot-deep trench, and will bury two 8-inch diameter conduits. Once the duct banks are in place, native soil will be replaced and restored and crosslinked polyethylene insulated cables will be pulled through the conduits.
OPEN TRENCH
SOO Green will dig an approximately 3-foot-wide, 5-foot-deep trench, and will bury two 8-inch diameter conduits. Once the duct banks are in place, native soil will be replaced and restored and crosslinked polyethylene insulated cables will be pulled through the conduits.
JACK & BORE
When a sensitive habitat, existing road or existing utility needs to be crossed, SOO Green will utilize the Jack and Bore method. Crews will bore under the area, placing conduits within a single bore.
JACK & BORE
When a sensitive habitat, existing road or existing utility needs to be crossed, SOO Green will utilize the Jack and Bore method. Crews will bore under the area, placing conduits within a single bore.
HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
Horizontal Directional Drilling is used when crossing areas such as wetlands or rivers. After drilling and widening the hole, the conduits and casing will be pulled from one side of the river to the other.
HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
Horizontal Directional Drilling is used when crossing areas such as wetlands or rivers. After drilling and widening the hole, the conduits and casing will be pulled from one side of the river to the other.