US Department of Energy Invests $1.5 Billion in Transmission Projects to Enhance Grid Capacity and Clean Energy Access
The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $1.5 billion investment to enhance the nation's transmission capacity, in line with the Biden-Harris Administration Investing in America’s agenda.
This funding, drawn from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help six states, namely, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, complete four crucial transmission projects.
These projects will boost the capacity of sustainable energy to 7,100 MW and add over 1,000 miles of new transmission lines.
The projects seek to improve the electrical system and generate 9,000 well-paying jobs.
They support the administration's objectives of enhancing energy resilience and shifting to low-cost, low-carbon energy and are a part of the Transmission Facilitation Program run by the DOE's Grid Deployment Office.
The Biden-Harris Administration is focused on promoting grid expansions through expedited permitting, updating existing lines, long-term planning, and infrastructure investment.
David Turk, the US Deputy Secretary of Energy said, “DOE’s approach to deploying near-term solutions and developing long-term planning tools will ensure our electric grid is more interconnected and resilient than ever before, while also supporting greater electricity demand.”
The DOE has announced a $1.5 billion investment in four transmission projects through the Transmission Facilitation Program.
These projects aim to improve grid connections, expand clean energy resources, enhance resilience to extreme weather, and benefit communities.
The investments are in line with the Justice40 Initiative of the Biden-Harris Administration, which seeks to allocate 40% of the benefits of specific federal investments in renewable energy and climate change to underserved communities.
The Aroostook Renewable Project, Cimarron Link, Southern Spirit, and Southline are among the projects that are anticipated to address regional energy demands and generate employment opportunities.
To keep up with growing energy demands, the DOE's National Transmission Planning Study recommends tripling or double US transmission capacity by 2050
Encouraging interregional transmission coordination is crucial for preserving grid reliability at the lowest possible cost.
Up to $490 billion in cost reductions for the national electric system are projected by the report by 2050.
