The TransWest Express transmission line has finally achieved the momentous milestone of officially beginning construction this year, marking an impressive achievement for all involved and creating possibilities to bring Wyoming’s renewable energy potential to the wider West. From the Power Company of Wyoming’s pioneering Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project to Roxane Perruso-led groundbreaking events in Carbon County communities that showed their utmost support, this 732-mile transmission line will greatly expand the western grid by providing more bulk transmission capacity and essential connectivity with multiple power systems throughout the southwestern United States.
After years of planning, permitting and millions of dollars invested, the TransWest Express high-voltage transmission line is finally ready to start construction this year – a major expansion of Wyoming’s electric power export industry to markets in the American Southwest and one of the most significant transmission upgrades to the western grid in decades. This momentous occasion marks an impressive achievement for all involved and will open up new opportunities to bring Wyoming’s renewable energy potential to the rest of the West.
TransWest Express Groundbreaking Event
At the groundbreaking event, TransWest Express Executive Vice President and COO Roxane Perruso will recognize the Carbon County community’s integral support of the revolutionary project. The 732-mile power line project has been in planning for some time, with the Power Company of Wyoming already beginning construction on the Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project. This 320,000 acre facility will generate 3,000 megawatts of electricity – 28% of Wyoming’s current electrical generation capacity – making it the largest onshore wind energy facility in North America. Carbon County is taking a bold leap of faith, and their support is much appreciated.
On Tuesday, TransWest Express Executive Vice President and COO Roxane Perruso will lead a groundbreaking event to recognize the Carbon County community’s integral support of the revolutionary project. The 732-mile power line has been in planning for some time, with the Power Company of Wyoming already beginning preliminary construction on the Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project. This 320,000 acre facility will generate 3,000 megawatts of electricity – 28% of Wyoming’s current electrical generation capacity – making it the largest onshore wind energy facility in North America. Carbon County is taking a bold leap of faith, and their support is much appreciated.
Once the transmission system is complete, it will provide important new bulk transmission capacity and connectivity with the PacifiCorp system in Wyoming, with the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power and Intermountain Power systems in Utah, with the NV Energy system in Nevada and with the California Independent System Operator.
Benefits of the TransWest Express Project
TransWest Express project is being praised by clean energy and climate advocates as a critical stride towards decarbonizing the western grid. By creating a pathway that connects large demand centers with rural areas offering abundant renewable energy sources, such as Wyoming’s capacity for wind power generation, TransWest will not only transport power from Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Facility, but will also provide an opening for other energy projects such as the hydrogen energy proposal at the Intermountain Power Project in Utah, and potential new nuclear power facilities.
Building Infrastructure in the West
Vijay Satyal, Deputy Director of Regional Markets for Western Resource Advocates, highlighted the need and importance of building infrastructure in the West. Together, the TransWest line and CCSM wind facility represent a pioneering move that requires tremendous patience and financial resources to successfully complete. While most consumers don’t have the option to choose their electricity provider, this project provides a unique opportunity for customers to select what energy they use.
The efforts of utilities like PacifiCorp to move to cleaner forms of energy is commendable, but it does not go far enough in enabling the level of connectivity necessary for renewable and low-carbon sources.
Power Company of Wyoming and TransWest Express are proud to be independent merchants, enabling the western grid with three major operating regions that will allow for the sale and delivery of renewable and low-carbon energy. This approach is risky, but it is an entrepreneurial proposition that few developers are willing to take on.
Anschutz Corporation’s Commitment to Decarbonization
TransWest Express LLC and Power Company of Wyoming, both affiliates of the Denver-based Anschutz Corporation, have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to the decarbonization of the future. Despite the lack of a captive ratepayer base or a guaranteed paying customer base, the worldwide oil, investment, sports, real estate, entertainment and publishing company headed by Philip Anschutz, with its $10.8 billion net worth, has enabled them to financially invest in this ambitious project and successfully overcome the extensive permitting process necessary to comply with all environmental requirements. This impressive commitment to sustainability is indicative of Anschutz Corporation’s overall dedication to reducing its carbon footprint.
TransWest Express LLC and Power Company of Wyoming, both affiliates of the Denver-based Anschutz Corporation, have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to the decarbonization of the future. Despite the lack of a captive ratepayer base or a guaranteed paying customer base, the worldwide oil, investment, sports, real estate, entertainment and publishing company headed by Philip Anschutz, with its $10.8 billion net worth, has enabled them to financially invest in this ambitious project and successfully overcome the extensive permitting process necessary to comply with all environmental requirements.
Rob Creager, Executive Director of the Wyoming Energy Authority, is in full agreement with this initiative which provides a competitive market to the region.
He proudly states that with the TransWest Express project, Wyoming is in a prime position to provide and sell its world-class energy products to an entirely new set of consumers. This presents great potential for the state and its economy.
This is a major step forward in Wyoming’s energy industry and shows real commitment from the Carbon County community. By facilitating the transfer of renewable energy between markets, this project will create economic benefits, reduce air emissions and put Wyoming at the centre of an interstate energy network. It stands as a testament to the collective dedication and drive demonstrated by all who worked to make this groundbreaking and monumental effort possible.
