Commissioning of giant capacitor bank in Minnesota

18 May 2021


Hitachi ABB Power Grids has announced the successful commissioning on 31 March of a 500 kV, 1400 MVAr series capacitor bank, one of the largest in the world, for Minnesota Power’s Great Northern Transmission Line project. The line delivers hydropower from Manitoba, in Canada, to customers in Northeastern Minnesota. This project is intended, by enhancing the transfer capability and reliability of the transmission connection between Manitoba and Minnesota, to enable Minnesota Power to strengthen its commitment to shift rapidly toward an emission-free energy system. In late 2020, the company became the first utility in the state to deliver 50% renewable energy to its customers and has a goal of achieving 100% carbon-free energy by 2050. 

Alireza Aram, md of Grid Integration business, North America, Hitachi ABB Power Grids, commented: “This new series capacitor bank … will enable Minnesota Power to meet its customers’ energy needs while increasing system reliability, and support their efforts to reduce carbon emissions from their operations.” 

“This project represents an important contribution to the development of our Great Northern Transmission Line project, part of an innovative delivery and storage system that is enabling us to deliver 50 % renewable energy to our customers,” said Josh Skelton, Minnesota Power COO. 



Linkedin Linkedin   
Privacy Policy
We have updated our privacy policy. In the latest update it explains what cookies are and how we use them on our site. To learn more about cookies and their benefits, please view our privacy policy. Please be aware that parts of this site will not function correctly if you disable cookies. By continuing to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy unless you have disabled them.