PG&E San Jose Area Project
Facing more than 1.4 GW of data center projects in final engineering, CAISO, PG&E, and Silicon Valley Power needed a faster solution to maintain reliability. SmartValve was selected to create near-term headroom while longer-term upgrades are planned.
Relieving a limiting 115 kV facility to serve growing data center demand
More than 1.4 GW of data center projects were in final engineering for the San Jose area, while major transmission upgrades were not expected in the near term.
CAISO, PG&E, and Silicon Valley Power needed a solution that could be deployed faster than reconductoring or energy storage, maintain NERC reliability criteria, and create firm load headroom using existing infrastructure.
After evaluating alternatives, SmartValve was selected as the most effective and timely option. By redirecting power from a limiting 115 kV facility to underutilised parallel lines, SmartValve provides about 100 MW of immediate transfer capability relief and can support up to 510 MW of firm load, depending on load location, while meeting NERC reliability criteria.
The solution fits within the existing substation footprint, requires no new corridor work or permitting, and is designed for rapid deployment, future expansion, or relocation as system needs evolve. Deployment is estimated at approximately 18 months.
Addressing 1.4 GW of data center demand
Creates headroom for data centers already in operation while enabling new connections currently in final engineering.
No new footprint required
SmartValve fits within the existing substation footprint, avoiding corridor work, permitting, and construction disruption.
Fast, flexible capacity for a grid under pressure
The PG&E San Jose Area Project shows how Advanced Power Flow Control can address critical load growth in time-constrained situations, without the cost or lead times of conventional transmission upgrades.
Maintains NERC reliability criteria
Manages thermal overloads on the limiting 115 kV facility while longer-term transmission upgrades are planned.
Supports data center load growth
Creates headroom for data centers already in operation while enabling new connections currently in final engineering.
Fits the existing substation footprint
No new corridor work or permitting required, avoiding construction disruption and accelerating deployment.
Redeployable as system needs evolve
Designed for future expansion or relocation, eliminating the risk of stranded assets when longer-term upgrades arrive.
SmartValve deployment on the 115 kV network
A look at the Advanced Power Flow Control deployment serving the San Jose area transmission network.
PG&E San Jose Area Project: creating headroom for data center load
Access the full case study to learn how SmartValve provided 100 MW of immediate transfer capability relief, supports up to 510 MW of firm load, and reduced thermal overloads by up to 34% on the limiting 115 kV facility.
