Reed Adam’s Post

"FERC’s long-awaited order requires the country’s regional grid operators, which manage transmission networks delivering power to roughly two-thirds of the U.S. population, to create processes to plan and build transmission lines that can support rapidly growing electricity demand at least 20 years into the future. The country’s regional grid operators have roughly 12 months to craft plans to comply, which will be subject to FERC approval or rejection." This is a major reform for building new transmission lines for our clean energy transition, but as this article notes, the new rule will still have to survive court challenges to make this rule permanent. Neverthelesss... #DriveEnergyForward https://lnkd.in/g4QmgcUn

Many of the new transmission corridors would also connect different regional grids, a move that would strengthen their ability to withstand winter storms. https://lnkd.in/giviKxw9

As we evolve, so must our grid. 🔌⚡️ That means advancing progressive, long-term plans that account for technological advancements in renewables and storage, increases in demand, and a changing climate. Check out the latest Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) updates!.

The recent FERC rule is a step in the right direction for our transmission system. It will increase the existing system’s efficiency and encourage the long-term transmission planning needed to facilitate the clean energy transition. More needs to be done to clear the transmission bottleneck. But this new rule supports increased flexibility and coordination between federal, state and Tribal governments to address the key questions around planning and cost allocation for multi-state transmission projects. https://lnkd.in/ejvFePqw

The U.S. electricity transmission capacity needs to meet escalating demand as we move away from fossil fuels toward electric vehicles, stoves, HVAC, etc. Here's a potential solution. See "Reconductoring US power lines could quadruple new transmission capacity by 2035: report" in Utility Dive at https://lnkd.in/eGs3R4ap. This is an important report by the Goldman School of Public Policy and the University of California Berkeley. Your public utility commission and utility company should take note -- and act!

The Biden administration has unveiled where it plans to use a potent, never-before-used and likely controversial federal authority to fast-track major power lines in National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs) to make the grid cleaner, cheaper and more reliable. Here's the map of the corridors the Department of Energy has chosen, along with all the next steps that must happen to open billions of dollars of federal lending authority — and, potentially, federal eminent-domain power to site and permit projects over state, local and private objection — on projects being built in these NIETCs: https://lnkd.in/gRBN2CFh

A new report from Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) includes recommendations for state policies for Grid Enhancing Technologies and other Advanced Transmission Technologies. They see opportunities for state policy to: 1) Direct utilities and relevant state authorities to study GETS and high-performance conductors in state-level planning or permitting processes. 2) Where legally sustainable, provide financial incentives for investments in transmission modernization. 3) Create an environment that encourages the implementation of ATTs, for example by exempting such action from permitting requirements or through setting operational standards in wildfire safety policies. https://lnkd.in/eskTiN6a

DOE proposes ten “national interest” transmission corridors (my latest for PV Magazine USA) Eight of the ten transmission corridors proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy would facilitate transmission between grid regions; one would expand transmission within the Mid-Atlantic’s #PJM grid region; and one would expand transmission in the Northern Plains.

Lots that can be done to help utilities adopt new technologies faster.

This new report from Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) highlights the pressing need to modernize and expand the U.S. transmission system to meet rising energy demands, with a focus on Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) and Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs). The aging grid is a major bottleneck, with unprecedented congestion delaying the interconnection of new generation and storage projects. At Prisma Photonics, we believe addressing these challenges is more than just a policy discussion - it’s about leveraging real-time insights and finding solutions. While state policies can direct utilities to explore GETs and high-performance conductors, real-time data on grid conditions is equally crucial for maximizing the impact of modernization efforts. Our technology uses existing fiber optic lines to continuously monitor transmission across thousands of miles, helping utilities enhance grid reliability without the delays often caused by traditional upgrades. The grid is the backbone of the energy transition, and innovative solutions like #PrismaPower are key to tackling the challenges of an outdated infrastructure. #EnergyTransition #GridModernization #PrismaPhotonics #AI #GridResilience #TransmissionSolutions #CleanEnergy