The North Dakota Public Service Commission on June 4 approved certificates of corridor compatibility and route permits for a high-voltage direct current modernization project in Oliver County, finding the project will produce minimal adverse effects on the environment and the welfare of North Dakotans.

Commissioner Greenstead moved adoption of the commission’s findings of fact, conclusions of law and order approving Minnesota Power and Great River Energy’s consolidated application; the motion carried. The commission said the project, which modernizes an HVDC terminal that has operated more than 45 years, includes mitigation measures for cultural and avian resources and is designed to avoid geologically unstable areas.

The commission’s order describes a two-phase project: Phase 1 would construct the Nelson Lake substation, two 230 kV yards and associated infrastructure, and Phase 2 would construct the East Oliver HVDC converter station and related facilities. Construction of Phase 1 is anticipated to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2027 with commercial operation in 2027; Phase 2 construction is expected between 2025 and completion in 2028–2030 with commercial operations between 2028 and 2030.

Minnesota Power’s portion of the project is estimated to cost about $399 million to $599 million; Great River Energy’s portion is estimated at about $5.4 million. Minnesota Power will own and operate the majority of the facilities; two transmission-line segments will be owned and operated by Great River Energy.

The commission said applicants coordinated with federal, state and local agencies listed under North Dakota Administrative Code section 69-06-01-05, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Air Force/Minot Air Force Base, the State Historical Society, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality and North Dakota Game and Fish. The order notes no exclusion areas were identified, and that avoidance and mitigation steps were designed to span or avoid cultural-resource sites and to follow Avian Power Line Interaction Committee recommendations.

The commission found the project compatible with environmental preservation and efficient resource use, and concluded it will minimize adverse human and environmental impacts while ensuring system reliability. The commission approved the certificates of corridor compatibility and route permits.

The order was adopted after an informal hearing with Minnesota Power and Great River Energy on May 1; no requests for a formal hearing were filed. The commission’s action clears the permitting step required before project construction proceeds on the schedule set out in the order.