CLAY, N.Y. — National Grid is preparing for Micron in the Town of Clay, N.Y.
The power company said it’s ready to be the “electrical backbone” of the massive semiconductor plant. National Grid said it’s ready to support Micron for the decades to come.
Regional Director of External Affairs for National Grid Alberto Bianchetti said the company could not overstate Micron’s significance to Central New York. He said National Grid and local and state officials have been working together for years, long before any Micron plans were official.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Bianchetti. “People are the Erie Canal moment for our generation, for Central New York and for Upstate New York.”
The National Grid substation across the street from where Micron is being built at White Pines Commerce Park will supply electricity and gas to the semiconductor facilities.
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The power company is building its interconnection of high-voltage transmission lines from the Clay station to the Micron campus. They will also build a 2-mile-long gas service pipeline to the site. Much of the facilities will be built underground.
The existing substation will be expanded by around seven acres to make sure it’s ready for Micron, Bianchetti said. This will be needed to power Micron’s first two semiconductor fabs. Then, National Grid will build the ductwork to move the power across Caughdenoy Road to the Micron site.
The ducts will need to be built underneath roads, railroad tracks, existing gas and power lines.
Specifically, there will be eight 345kV transmission lines built, two to serve each of Micron’s four fabs.
“It’s a significant investment on behalf of Micron,” said Bianchetti, keeping the cost of the project private, per company policy. “It’s worth noting that because it’s so close and such a large project, the benefit of being right across the street is a value to them.”
Micron officially broke ground in January. Work to clear White Pines Commerce Park of trees and brush was immediately conducted. In July, the first concrete was poured at the construction site. The concrete was for the first two semiconductor fabs.
Construction on the last two fabs will begin in 2028.