Enabled by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Building a Better Grid Initiative is working to catalyze the nationwide development of new and upgraded high-capacity electric transmission lines. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offered transmission planning details in June and July 2022:
$2.3 Billion Formula Grant Program Opened for States, Tribal Nations, and Territories
On July 6, 2022, DOE opened the application period for States, Tribal nations, and territories to apply for the $2.3 billion formula grant program designed to strengthen and modernize America’s power grid against wildfires, extreme weather, and other natural disasters exacerbated by the climate crisis. Under this program, priority will be given to projects that will generate the greatest community benefit, whether rural or urban, in reducing the likelihood and consequences of blackouts and power shutdowns because of extreme weather or other disruptive events like cyberattacks. Projects should also drive the creation of good-paying union jobs with a focus on high labor standards and the free and fair chance for workers to join a union.
Learn more about the open application for the $2.3 billion formula grant program.
First Public Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Stakeholder Workshop
On June 28, 2022, DOE and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI's) Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) hosted an Atlantic Offshore Wind (OSW) Transmission Stakeholder Workshop. As part of a series of stakeholder convenings, the goal of this workshop was to collect input and collaborate on strategies to enable the development of sustainable and equitable OSW transmission that minimizes impacts to ocean co-users and marine environments, and creates benefits for coastal and underserved communities as well as the Nation as a whole.
Learn more about the workshop and download the PowerPoint presentations.
Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Blog
OSW energy plays a crucial role in decarbonizing the electric grid, meeting our climate goals, and creating American jobs.
The Biden Administration set an ambitious goal to deploy 30 gigawatts (GW) of OSW by 2030, with an eye to deploy 110 GW or more by 2050. As a result, DOE and DOI are working together to develop a joint plan to ensure that the nation builds the transmission infrastructure needed to meet these targets.
Electricity produced by OSW turbines travels to the shore through a series of transmission cables that can be buried in the sea floor. Currently, the U.S. has two operating OSW farms (which provide 42 megawatts [MW] of electricity or enough to power 20,000 homes), with over 30 OSW projects in the pipeline.
Read more about Atlantic OSW transmission.
National Transmission Planning Study - Tribal Engagement
One of the highest priorities in the development of the National Transmission Planning (NTP) Study is to collaborate with a wide range of interested parties that include tribal governments, tribal enterprises, tribal utilities, and American Indian communities to help identify pathways for necessary large-scale transmission system buildouts that meet community, regional, and national objectives.
In the initial phase of development, DOE is asking these stakeholders for information about interest levels and feedback through the submission of statements of interest.
DOE requests responses by July 20, 2022, however there will be multiple pathways and timelines for participation.
Learn more about DOE's request for statements of interest by Indian tribes.
National Transmission Planning Study Subcommittee Meetings
Three NTP Study subcommittee meetings were held in June 2022, including the Modeling, Government, and Land Use and Environmental Exclusions sub committees. The subcommittee meetings offer an opportunity for a smaller group dialogue and an avenue to ask questions in real time.
Visit the NTP website for future Technical Review Committee-related meeting information and download the PowerPoint slides at the below links. If you have any questions about this event, please email NTPStudy@hq.doe.gov.
• June 7 PowerPoint slides download
• June 10 PowerPoint slides download
• June 24 PowerPoint slides download
For more information visit: Building a Better Grid Initiative or email ElectricityDelivery@hq.doe.gov.
Original source can be found here.
