BPA flips the switch on 230 kV line upgrade
New Midway-to-Ashe transmission line in southeastern Washington replaces aging infrastructure, boosting power reliability for Hanford cleanup and nuclear operations.
Image for illustrative purposes
USA, Washington, Richland: The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in partnership with the Department of Energy’s Hanford Field Office, has energized a new 230 kV transmission line linking the Midway substation and the Ashe substation in southeastern Washington State. Activated on May 6, this 29 km (18 mi) high-voltage line replaces a 70-year-old circuit and plays a critical role in reinforcing the regional power grid.
Located offsite, the Midway substation connects to the Ashe substation, situated within the Hanford Nuclear Site, home to the country’s largest nuclear waste cleanup project. This connection ensures a stable and redundant power source for the Columbia Generating Station, Washington’s only operating nuclear power plant, and supports critical operations at Hanford, including its waste treatment plant.
“The energization of this line between Midway and Ashe is a major reliability upgrade,” said BPA Administrator John Hairston. “It guarantees dependable service for Hanford and the surrounding energy infrastructure.”
The line’s design includes dual-circuit, lattice steel towers. BPA will own and operate one circuit to back up the Columbia Generating Station, while the Hanford Field Office manages the second circuit to support the site’s ongoing remediation efforts.
“This upgrade ensures clean-up operations remain on track with reliable power,” said Mike Miller, BPA’s VP of Transmission Engineering. Coordination between BPA and Hanford was essential, given the complexities of building on a superfund site.
Officials at both agencies praised the collaboration, viewing the project as a model for future infrastructure initiatives in support of secure and sustainable energy delivery.
Source: American Public Power Association
#Bonneville Power Administration#BPA#Columbia Generating Station#Department of Energy#energy infrastructure#Hanford#John Hairston#Mike Miller#nuclear cleanup#reliability#transmission line