How Bell can help wind and solar farms operate at full capacity
Wind and solar energy producers are at the forefront of the fight against climate change, offering clean, renewable sources of power that can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. However, integrating these renewable sources into the existing power grid has presented challenges.
“We have wind farms that are built, that they’re ready, the wind is blowing, but there’s not enough transmission capacity on the system,” Adam Sokolski, the director of regulatory and legislative affairs at EDF Renewables North America, told MPR in a recent news article on the matter.
Several Minnesota grid operators indicated the solar or wind farms won’t be connected to the grid for years, according to the article.
At Bell, our advanced utility solutions, including laminated wood structures and infrastructure services, are designed to seamlessly integrate with renewable energy projects like wind farms. And due to our diverse supply chain, we’re able to play a role in avoiding some of the supply chain bottlenecks that are holding wind and solar farms back from distributing integral green energy throughout the country.
Bell helps Cypress Wind Farms
When Valard Construction first approached Bell Lumber and Pole in 2022, they sought an environmentally-friendly, aesthetic, and efficient structure that could tap from a new substation into an existing 240 kv transmission line.
Valard Construction was tasked with tapping from a new substation into an existing 240 kv transmission line for their client, AltaLink, at a wind farm in Alberta, Canada. Because AltaLink has contractual obligations with the wind farms to ensure they have the taps ready in time for wind farm connections, they required a solution that was not only efficient and timely, but also aesthetically pleasing. The main challenges Valard Construction faced included:
Long lead times for materials.
A preference for a more visually appealing alternative to traditional steel poles.
Our engineered laminated wood structures – designed by our engineering partner Laminated Wood Systems – were a great fit for Valard Construction. Due to Bell’s diverse supply chain, we’re able to source wood to fit our clients’ needs without supply chain issues.
And we did just that: we sourced, designed, engineered, and delivered a Southern Yellow Pine laminated wood structure, working alongside LWS. Standing at 182 feet tall, it’s the largest laminated wood structure we’ve ever crafted – and it was installed in just a few days.
This integration of laminated wood structures and renewable energy infrastructure not only exemplifies Bell's commitment to sustainable development but also marks a pivotal step towards bridging the gap between the renewable energy sector's potential and its operational realities. By facilitating quicker, more efficient connections to the power grid, Bell plays an indispensable role in ensuring that renewable energy can fulfill its promise as a cornerstone of our carbon-free future.
“Solar and wind energy are here to stay, and utilities want solar and wind,” Solkolski said in the MPR news article. “It shows that there’s a lot of interest and opportunity for solar and wind projects to be developed and built here in the Upper Midwest to serve customers. There’s no shortage of development projects to try to feed Minnesota in the region’s carbon-free goals and renewable energy goals.”
How we can help wind and solar energy producers
Reliable Infrastructure: Our sustainable laminated wood structures provide the robust infrastructure needed to expand the power grid's capacity. This expansion is crucial for accommodating the increased load from renewable energy sources, ensuring that wind farms can operate at their full potential without facing bottlenecks
Customized Solutions: Recognizing that each wind and solar farm faces unique challenges, we offer tailored solutions that address specific needs, from grid connection points to transmission lines. Our team works closely with renewable energy producers to design and implement infrastructure that maximizes efficiency and reliability.
Sustainability in Practice: By choosing Bell, wind farms not only benefit from high-quality infrastructure but also contribute to a cycle of sustainability. Our laminated wood structures are sourced from responsibly managed forests, supporting the environmental ethos that drives renewable energy projects.
Partnering for Progress: Beyond providing products, Bell is a partner in the renewable energy sector's growth. We advocate for policies and practices that facilitate the smoother integration of renewable sources into the national grid, aiming to overcome the current challenges of connection delays and congestion.
Join us in powering the future.
Let's work together to propel the transition to renewable energy forward. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help expand your power grid.