US energy department selects sites for major electric transmission projects
The Department of Energy has identified 10 key areas for building high-capacity electric transmission lines to boost clean energy distribution across the U.S., as part of President Biden's climate strategy.
Peter Behr reports for E&E News.
In short:
- The DOE's plan aims to expand the power grid via multistate ultra-high-capacity lines, enhancing nationwide clean energy accessibility.
- These corridors are intended to connect major renewable power sources to the grid, leveraging a $2 billion investment from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law.
- Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm emphasized that the initiative would modernize the grid and support the goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035.
Key quote:
"To meet our climate goals we have to more than double our transmission capacity."
— John Podesta, White House clean energy adviser
Why this matters:
This initiative is geared toward enhancing the distribution of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power across vast distances, which is important for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change. Building these transmission lines is a step toward stabilizing energy prices and boosting economic growth through job creation in the construction and maintenance of the infrastructure. For communities, particularly those in remote or underserved areas, the enhanced infrastructure can lead to more reliable energy access and potentially lower electricity costs.
