Large-Load Interconnection to Energize a Data Centre Campus

A global data centre operator is harnessing regional energy through an interconnection agreement with Chelan County Public Utility District in Chelan County, Washington. Chelan County PUD brought HDR on board as program manager for the large-load interconnection, integrating a new substation and upgrading transmission lines to power a data centre campus. 

Working with a fast-paced tech client meant helping Chelan County PUD provide quick responses to requests and closely tracking the program’s scope, schedule and budget. Our program management plan defined the process, assigned accountability, and supplied a framework to nimbly navigate the multitude of variables associated with this complex program.

The data centre campus interconnection included a large greenfield substation and relocation of an existing 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line. Connecting the substation to Chelan’s existing transmission infrastructure necessitated two 1.5-mile 115-kV lines — one rebuilt and the other reconductored. The capacity expansion came online in three phases, enabling data centre operations to begin after Phase 1, a year before the entire project was completed. 

We regularly facilitated communication between Chelan and the data centre operator as we carried out our role, including:

• Substation and transmission line design
• Procurement support
• Specifications development
• Technical and risk management guidance
• Program management information systems tool integration
• Financial and schedule tracking
• Construction management support

Our integration with Chelan allowed its team to remain engaged in strategic project decisions while we support detailed analysis, coordination and documentation.