The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated up to $1.3 billion for the expansion of three electric transmission lines spanning six states, while also publishing its final National Transmission Needs Study (Needs Study). The study provides key insights into areas where strengthened transmission infrastructure could benefit both the grid and American communities, said the DOE.
The statement released by the DOE asserts, "DOE allocates $1.3 billion for electric transmission expansion and released a needs study".
The projects receiving funding include the Cross-Tie 500kV Transmission Line connecting Nevada and Utah, the Southline Transmission Project in Arizona and New Mexico, and the Twin States Clean Energy Link between New Hampshire and Vermont. Each project aims to enhance grid reliability, expand access to renewable energy, and address regional transmission needs. This financial backing is sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, according to a press release by DOE.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm stated her approval for this initiative: “To realize the full benefit of the nation’s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035, we need to more than double our grid capacity and President Biden’s Investing in America agenda puts us in position to do just that,” she said in a press release by DOE. “This historic effort to strengthen the nation’s transmission will drive down costs for American families and deliver thousands of good paying jobs for American workers—helping communities keep the lights on in the face of climate change-induced extreme weather events.”
The Needs Study underscores a nationwide demand for additional electric transmission infrastructure to improve grid reliability, resilience, cost-efficiency, and relieve congestion across various regions. Interregional transmissions are essential in addressing congestion issues especially between Mountain-Plains regions as well as Texas with neighboring areas. Changes in grid needs brought about by transition towards clean energy sources, regional demands coupled with extreme weather conditions necessitate significant deployments of interregional transfer capacity by 2030 and a substantial increase in interregional transmission by 2040 to cater to future power grid demands, the DOE press release reveals.
