The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved the Great Northern Transmission Line in late February, largely clearing the way for the 500-kV connector that will allow for the import of Canadian hydropower into the U.S. The 224-mile-long line will help Minnesota Power augment its wind generation with hydropower purchased from Manitoba Hydro, per power purchase agreements approved by the commission in 2012 and 2015.
The approved route represents the culmination of years of agency reviews and stakeholder engagement by Minnesota Power. The utility still must receive a presidential permit from the U.S. Department of Energy, which was expected by the end of April. Manitoba Hydro is awaiting a license from the Canadian federal government following its filing of environmental documents with provincial regulators last September.
Work on the project is expected to begin in earnest in 2017, with completion by 2020. Minnesota Power will hold a 51% share in the transmission line, with Manitoba Hydro claiming the remainder.
— Hydro Review, April 2016