345kV Interconnect Facility – Wind Farm Integration – Illinois

Power | Utility | Substations | Renewable Energy | Illinois

Aldridge was selected as the foundation and electrical subcontractor for a 345kV interconnect facility supporting the integration of a new wind farm in the Midwest. The facility serves as the Point of Interconnect (POI) between the wind farm and the regional transmission network. Once energized, the single 345kV line will be split into two utility circuits and one independent power producer (IPP) circuit within the new switchyard.

Our scope included the installation of all foundations, including drilled piers and flatwork, to support the control building, emergency generator, propane tank, and auxiliary transformer. Aldridge also completed full yard electrical construction, including:

• Above and below-grade grounding and conduit

• Cable trough and structural steel erection

• Installation of breakers, disconnects, motor-operated disconnects (MODs), surge arresters, CCVTs, CT/PT combination units, wave traps, and line tuners

• Bus, linkages, auxiliary transformer, metering, lighting, and fencing

• Power, control, and fiber cable installation, terminations, and testing support

When material discrepancies arose, Aldridge’s project management and field teams worked quickly with the client to identify the issue and support the seamless procurement and installation of the correct components. During foundation drilling, groundwater was encountered much earlier than anticipated. Aldridge responded by developing and executing a revised plan to install permanent casing at all drilled pier locations, maintaining progress and minimizing impact to the overall schedule.

This project demonstrates Aldridge’s ability to deliver high-voltage infrastructure that supports renewable energy generation.