The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a massive $2.2 billion investment in the nation’s electric grid, targeting eight projects across 18 states. This investment will bolster the grid against extreme weather events, reduce energy costs for consumers and increase grid capacity.
Funded by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, these projects are estimated to yield nearly $10 billion in public and private investment and generate at least 5,000 good paying jobs. These funds will drive the deployment of cutting-edge transmission infrastructure and technology upgrades, adding more than 1,000 miles of transmission lines and almost 13 gigawatts (GW) of grid capacity.
The selected projects are poised to make a profound impact by leveraging:
- Innovative transmission infrastructure to improve grid resilience and reliability and integrate more clean energy to the grid.
- Advanced technology upgrades to deploy innovative grid technologies including advanced conductors, dynamic line ratings, microgrids, and advanced distribution management systems to increase grid capacity using existing rights of way.
- Federal, interstate, and private sector collaboration to demonstrate innovative collaborations and partnerships, particularly across states and with the private sector.
An upgraded and expanded grid would help ensure Americans have access to more affordable, reliable and cleaner power. By enhancing resilience, increasing capacity and integrating more clean energy sources, these projects will not only meet current and future energy demands but also help reduce global emissions.