ComEd to Expand Substation for 2.45 GW Renewable Power Integration in Illinois

ComEd, the US utility and spin-off of Exelon Corp, has unveiled plans for a significant substation expansion project aimed at enabling the integration of up to 2.45 GW of wind and solar power capacity into the Illinois transmission system. The announcement on Tuesday outlines the utility's commitment to expand the Wilton Center substation, located near Joliet, originally built in 1968 and currently supporting one million square feet of high-voltage transmission lines.

The expansion initiative will involve the installation of new circuit breakers, transformers, and relay switches, along with a 50% enlargement of the substation yard. The upgraded facility will also feature state-of-the-art network data and control systems. The project's design engineering commenced in September, and completion is anticipated in late 2026.

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Once operational, the enhanced Wilton Center substation will play a crucial role in supporting five wind farms and two solar parks, facilitating their connection to the ComEd transmission system and the PJM energy market.

ComEd highlighted that the expansion aligns with its broader renewable energy initiatives, with 13 wind projects currently under construction or in the study phase, collectively adding 3.1 GW of capacity. Upon commissioning, these projects will contribute to the existing 4.5 GW of wind generation capacity already interconnected to ComEd's transmission system.

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The substation expansion underscores ComEd's commitment to accommodating the growing renewable energy landscape, facilitating the seamless integration of substantial wind and solar capacity into the Illinois transmission infrastructure.