In a report released by the Department of Energy in October 2023, it was revealed that the United States is lagging behind in the field of long-distance power transmission technology. The department issued a warning regarding an impending capacity crisis within the nation's grid, highlighting the technological disparity between the US and China as a potential threat to national security.
According to a study conducted by Rand Corporation, the existing U.S. transmission system is nearing or surpassing its capacity in several states, including Texas and Alaska. This situation restricts further addition of electricity to the grid and hampers the expansion of the grid to accommodate renewable energy sources such as wind farms.
Another study by Rand Corporation indicated that while renewable energy and clean innovation present an opportunity for transitioning away from fossil fuel dependence, they also introduce challenges due to their intermittent nature which complicates real-time balancing in power grids. China, being at the forefront of Global Energy Interconnection (GEI) development, exports technologies, establishes international standards, and supports overseas power infrastructure. The country has proposed a GEI initiative aimed at connecting global renewable producers and consumers through ultra-high voltage transmission lines.
National Interest reported that China is outperforming in crucial metrics for long-distance transmission technologies. It has published more academic papers and filed more patents in areas such as ultra-high voltage and submarine cables than the United States. This technology gap poses national security risks, including possible exploitation of global power grids by China for espionage or military purposes. While the government's $1.3 billion commitment addresses immediate transmission needs, bridging this technology gap is essential for national security, infrastructure improvement, and reducing reliance on China for clean energy.
