Projects
The WIA is engaged in “Pioneering Transmission Expansion” in the West
Abundant Energy Wyoming is second to none in the U.S. when it comes to energy resources. We’re number one in coal production, high-quality wind potential and uranium reserves; and in the top three for natural gas compared to other states in the U.S. Our economic development programs and policies are generator friendly while being environmentally sensitive.
New Transmission: Transmission is the critical link between generation facilities and customer markets. Over 15,000 megawatts of transmission capacity originating in Wyoming and connecting with major population centers in the West is under development, representing potentially more than $15 billion in investments in transmission and an equivalent amount in generation facilities. See the summary of each of the seven (7) transmission projects under development in the State as well as a map below.
Interested Customers: From Denver to Salt Lake City, Phoenix to Las Vegas and on to Southern California, the West is replete with markets needing new sources of energy to keep up with growing customer demand. And whether it’s a desire for renewables or additions to baseload capacity, Wyoming offers the breadth of energy resources to meet the need.
Where Transmission and Generation Meet:The Wyoming Infrastructure Authority (WIA) has been active since 2005 in furthering its charter by participating in and encouraging the strategic development of new transmission facilities to satisfy demand in strategic load centers in targeted area in the West. With the $3.25 Billion in financing authority granted to the Western Area Power Administration in the 2009 Stimulus Package, transmission development in Wyoming will likely benefit.
Environmentally sensitive: The Wyoming Governor’s Office, in coordination with State and Federal agencies, have recently mapped environmental constraints for wind development in all portions of the state reported by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to have Class 4 or better winds. Three categories of environmental constraints are mapped including areas with no identified environmental conflicts (green), areas with significant conflicts (pink) and areas where wind development is likely precluded (red). A full explanation of the criteria used to develop the mapping categories is contained in the map legend. You may download the map which contains such legend HERE.
Wyoming Infrastructure Authority is aiding Development: The Wyoming Infrastructure Authority is tasked with diversifying and growing the State’s economy through the development of electric transmission infrastructure. It is responsible for promoting the planning, financing, building, maintaining and operating of interstate electric transmission projects and corresponding generation. In addition, we have $1 billion in bonding authority for transmission infrastructure in Wyoming which can include generation lead lines between the generation facility and the transmission line.
Transmission Project Information
Map of the current projects under development:
See Detailed Map
You may download an electronic version of our outreach brochure here.
