– America faces challenges in modernizing the U.S. electric grid
– 2 million MW of clean energy capacity is currently on hold, delaying benefits to consumers and communities
– Strategies for success include legislative action, regional collaboration, and permitting reform to unlock clean energy investments and create jobs
America is facing challenges related to energy, with the need to modernize the U.S. electric grid being of utmost importance. However, the current permitting process for building and strengthening the power grid is causing delays in connecting clean energy projects to the grid. As a result, 2 million MW of clean energy capacity is sitting on hold, awaiting connection.
One example of the impact of these delays is EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA), which operates renewable energy systems in Indiana. Despite bringing benefits to the communities it operates in, projects have faced delays of up to nearly four years. These delays hinder decarbonization goals and economic benefits.
There are three proposed strategies for success: legislative action, regional collaboration and regulatory reform, and permitting reform. These strategies aim to address issues related to planning, permitting, and interconnection of electric transmission. The goal is to build a modernized transmission grid to support the growth of clean energy investments and job creation.
Despite challenges, the Inflation Reduction Act has already led to significant investments in clean energy projects in the U.S. Unlocking the full potential of this act will require significant investments in the U.S. transmission grid to ensure the benefits of clean energy reach consumers and improve grid reliability.