All articles tagged with #transmission lines
Originally Published 2 months ago — by AP News
The Energy Department has finalized a $1.6 billion loan guarantee to upgrade nearly 5,000 miles of transmission lines across five Midwest states, primarily supporting fossil fuel energy, as part of efforts to modernize the grid and meet rising electricity demand, amidst ongoing debates over clean energy investments and policies.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Business Insider
The US power grid is facing significant challenges due to outdated infrastructure and lengthy construction times for new high-voltage transmission lines, which are crucial for integrating renewable energy sources. Federal regulators have introduced new rules to improve long-term planning, streamline permitting processes, and ensure fair cost distribution among states. While these changes aim to enhance grid reliability and support the transition to cleaner energy, local opposition and regulatory hurdles remain significant obstacles.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Newser
The US is facing a decline in the addition of high-voltage transmission lines, with approval processes and lawsuits causing significant delays. Reports suggest that the US could double the electric grid's capacity by adopting the technique of "advanced reconductoring," which involves replacing old power lines with newer models that can carry twice the current. This approach, already used in other countries, could provide room for more wind and solar power. While some US utilities have questions about its effectiveness, experts believe reconductoring could be a major part of upgrading the grid.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NPR
Laser sensors integrated into transmission lines can provide real-time data on wind, temperature, and wire conditions, allowing utilities to safely transmit more renewable electricity through the grid. These "grid enhancing technologies" can help increase grid capacity faster and cheaper than building new transmission lines, which are often delayed by permitting difficulties and community opposition. However, experts worry that monopoly utilities may resist adopting these technologies due to the financial incentives tied to building new infrastructure. Federal regulators are considering making the practice of reading transmission lines with laser sensors mandatory to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by InsideClimate News
As Texas experiences record-breaking heat and renewable energy output, the state's strained transmission infrastructure is causing renewable power to go to waste. The grid's efficiency is diminished by congested transmission lines that cannot handle the full load of renewable energy. Experts warn that curtailment, the wastage of electricity due to congestion, could increase to 20-28% by 2030. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has been given a D+ grade for transmission planning and development. While new transmission lines and battery installations are being constructed, they cannot replace retiring coal and natural gas plants fast enough. The inadequacy of transmission lines also prevents cheaper wind and solar power from bidding into the market, resulting in higher energy costs for consumers. Interconnecting ERCOT with other regions and investing in transmission infrastructure are seen as potential solutions to address these challenges.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Longview News-Journal
More than 168,000 SWEPCO customers, including nearly 32,000 in Gregg County alone, remain without power as the company estimates a week before full restoration. The storms caused catastrophic damage to transmission lines and nearly 60 transmission and distribution stations were affected. SWEPCO's updated restoration estimates range from Tuesday, June 20 to Saturday, June 24, depending on the district.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by OilPrice.com
The Biden administration has approved the development of several major new transmission lines across the US to support the growing demand for electricity and the green energy transition. The new infrastructure will connect renewable energy projects to the grid, transport green energy from wind and solar fields, and future-proof the grid for the anticipated rise in energy demand over the coming decades. The TransWest Express Project, a 732-mile-long, high-voltage transmission line across the Western US, has been approved to transport renewable energy. The project is part of the Biden administration's aim to substantially enhance energy infrastructure across the country in line with the green transition.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Washington Post
Lawmakers are close to reaching a deal on energy permitting as part of legislation to raise the debt ceiling and avoid a default. The deal would ease the process of building interstate transmission lines for clean electricity, a priority for Democrats and President Biden's climate agenda. The agreement would also make modest changes to the National Environmental Policy Act to sweeten the deal for Republicans. The proposal would be based on forthcoming legislation known as the Building Integrated Grids With Inter-Regional Energy Supply Act, which could help the US reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Canary Media
California's grid operator, CAISO, has approved a $7.3 billion plan to build thousands of miles of new high-voltage transmission lines to connect the state's massive amount of new clean energy to the grid. The plan seeks to address the clean energy challenge plaguing the entire nation, not just California, of not having enough transmission to connect the new clean energy being developed to the grid. The plan includes upfront information on where major clean energy development is being planned in zones across the state, enabling much more accurate forecasting of how much new energy capacity it will allow to be brought online.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Houston Chronicle
The demand for renewable energy has created a need for more infrastructure, particularly long-distance transmission lines, to deliver power from remote renewable energy sources to population centers. Houston has emerged as a hub for companies looking to address this disconnect, with a sub-industry of firms dedicated to facilitating engineering, property law, procurement, and construction for those working on electricity infrastructure. However, challenges remain, including the long approval and permitting process for transmission lines and finding the right investors.