power grid
Newsletter
Credit: Braden Wagner/Unsplash
Heat is threatening the integrity of America’s infrastructure
As rising temperatures warp steel and strain power grids, the nation’s infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the demands of climate change.
In short:
- Heat expansion is causing rail lines, bridges and roads to warp and buckle, complicating transportation.
- Power grids are increasingly stressed, reducing electricity delivery while demand spikes during heat waves.
- Updating infrastructure to handle extreme heat is costly, and solutions may require significant public and political support.
Key quote:
"You can’t reengineer all of U.S. infrastructure as quickly as the climate is changing."
— Mikhail Chester, director of the Metis Center for Infrastructure and Sustainable Engineering at Arizona State University
Why this matters:
The rapid pace of climate change is outstripping the ability of existing infrastructure to adapt, posing risks to public safety and economic stability. Investing in resilient systems is crucial to mitigate these impacts and protect critical services.
Related:
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Newsletter
Texas to boost energy fund to $10 billion to expand power grid
In response to rising electricity demands, Texas will double its state fund for power grid expansion from $5 billion to $10 billion.
In short:
- Texas plans to expand the Texas Energy Fund to $10 billion, offering low-interest loans to build new gas-fueled power plants.
- The state’s grid operator predicts electricity demand will nearly double by 2030, prompting an immediate policy review.
- The fund will also provide bonuses and grants for plant connection, modernization and weatherization.
Key quote:
"[The numbers in the new forecast] call for an immediate review of all policies concerning the grid."
— Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in a press release.
Why this matters:
The state's commitment to bolstering its power grid is a critical step towards ensuring reliable electricity for millions of residents. Recent years have highlighted the vulnerabilities in Texas's energy infrastructure, most notably during the devastating winter storm in 2021 that left millions without power in freezing temperatures. The expanded funding aims to prevent such crises by enhancing grid resilience and capacity.
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US electricity grid set for major overhaul to meet increasing demands
Federal regulators have approved vital changes to enhance the U.S. power grid, aiming to counteract the current infrastructural inadequacies and frequent power shortages.
In short:
- New federal regulations aim to expedite the construction of high-voltage transmission lines to address critical energy shortages and support clean energy growth.
- The rules mandate state and utility cooperation on 20-year infrastructure plans, emphasizing equitable cost distribution.
- The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) now has limited authority to approve stalled projects, highlighting ongoing interstate regulatory challenges.
Key quote:
"Our grid is at a make-or-break moment. It is being tested in ways we have never seen before."
— Willie Phillips, chair of FERC
Why this matters:
As America grapples with a surge in power use, the ripple effects could touch everyone— from increased energy bills to challenges in meeting climate commitments.
In addition to infrastructure investments, clean energy capacity growth can help the planet avoid billions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
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Credit: Wayne S. Grazio/Flickr
Compressed-air storage moves toward commercialization
Hydrostor Inc., a leader in compressed-air energy storage, is preparing to build two major facilities as the need for long-duration energy storage intensifies.
In short:
- Hydrostor’s first major project, Silver City Energy Storage Centre, will begin construction in Australia in late 2024, followed by Willow Rock Energy Storage Center in California.
- These facilities will help address the need for long-duration storage, critical for filling gaps when wind and solar power are insufficient.
- The Department of Energy recognizes the significance of long-duration storage for decarbonizing the energy grid, aiming to reduce costs by 90% within the decade.
Key quote:
“It’s a very simple system that just uses a hole in rock [plus] air and water.”
— Curtis VanWalleghem, CEO of Hydrostor Inc.
Why this matters:
Long-duration energy storage is the linchpin for a stable, renewable energy grid. Projects like Hydrostor's represent a significant step toward achieving ambitious climate goals by ensuring a reliable energy supply, particularly as reliance on wind and solar energy grows. Read more: Oil and gas production responsible for $77 billion in annual US health damages.
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Credit: Fré Sonneveld/Unsplash
Texas lawmaker proposes federal oversight for improved power grid connectivity
In an ambitious move, U.S. Rep. Greg Casar introduces a bill to bolster Texas' power grid resilience by promoting interstate connections, potentially mitigating climate-induced blackouts.
In short:
- The bill aims to link Texas' power grid with neighboring states to enhance reliability and support clean energy transition.
- Casar's proposal seeks $11 billion for the construction of these transmission lines, highlighting the urgency in the wake of the devastating 2021 winter storm that resulted in hundreds of deaths.
- Critics argue the plan could disincentivize in-state energy development, while proponents see it as crucial for avoiding future power crises.
Key quote:
"Millions of Texans needlessly lost power. Hundreds of people needlessly died. And we’re stepping up today to finally do something about it."
— U.S. Rep. Greg Casar
Why this matters:
Texas leads the nation in wind power capacity and is rapidly expanding its solar energy production, all the while remaining a dominant player in oil and natural gas production. This diverse energy portfolio helps Texas meet its substantial energy needs, which are driven by its vast size, booming population, and significant industrial base.
However, Texas' energy independence has also faced challenges, most notably during severe weather events.
With solar leading the way, clean energy capacity growth is helping the planet avoid billions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
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Photo by Антон Дмитриев on Unsplash
Your home’s cleaner, better heating system comes with one major cost: a rising threat of blackouts
American energy needs are changing. So far, the US power grid has been able to keep you warm.
Photo by Andrey Metelev on Unsplash
US grid stability threatened by aging infrastructure and climate change
The U.S. faces increasing blackout risks due to aging power grids, extreme weather and a transition to cleaner energy sources, warns North American Electric Reliability Corp.
In short:
- The U.S. is at a heightened risk of rolling blackouts as old power grids struggle with extreme weather and rising electricity demands.
- Transitioning to renewable energy sources is not keeping pace with the closure of coal plants, intensifying power supply challenges.
- Technological advancements in sectors like data centers and electric vehicles are outpacing the growth of electricity generation and transmission.
Key quote:
"It’s going to take all of us coming together to solve and mitigate some of these challenges."
— John Moura, director of reliability assessment and Performance Analysis, NERC.
Why this matters:
The reliability of the U.S. power grid is crucial for health and safety, especially as we face more extreme weather events and shift toward renewable energy. This article highlights the delicate balance between environmental progress and maintaining a stable power supply. How can we ensure a smooth transition to cleaner energy while keeping the lights on?
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