US DOE invests $2.2 billion in grid resilience across 18 States, adding 13 GW capacity

If employed, the transmission infrastructure and technology upgrades will add close to 13 gigawatts (GW) of grid capacity. This includes 4,800 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind.  

“The first half of 2024 has already broken records for the hottest days in Earth’s history, and as extreme weather continues to hit every part of the country, we must act with urgency to strengthen our aging grid to protect American communities,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. 

She added, “The Biden-Harris Administration is investing in the most crucial component of the nation’s infrastructure, expanding and hardening the grid to allow more resilient, clean power to reach more household, and support the ongoing manufacturing boom—all while creating thousands of local jobs.” 

The total investment in community workforce development, scholarships, and apprentice programs across the 8 projects will exceed $300 million. In addition, grants will be provided to community organizations. 

GRIP projects will incorporate specific strategies to ensure meaningful community and labor engagement and quality.  

Six out of the eight projects will establish local partnerships with labor unions. At least five of them will be partnering with local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). 

These projects will create at least 5,000 good-paying jobs and upgrade more than 1,000 miles of transmission in total.