The Inflation Reduction Act, which recently turned one year old, is gaining momentum in driving our nation towards a clean energy future. However, the limitations of our existing transmission system pose a threat to the law’s potential for clean energy. Luckily, new technologies are emerging that can alleviate these limitations and allow for the integration of more renewable generation.
Record investments driven by the act in the deployment of new renewable generation are causing challenges for new wind and solar projects trying to connect to the grid. Grid operators are working to ensure that the added power can flow smoothly along transmission lines. The need for additional transmission capacity is evident to connect more clean energy and prevent curtailment of existing renewable generation due to transmission congestion.
According to a Department of Energy analysis of the Biden administration’s goal to transition the electric grid to net zero by 2035, transmission capacity will need to increase by over 100 percent of its current network to align with climate and renewable energy objectives. This number is likely to grow as more electrification technologies for transportation, buildings, and industries come online.
Failure to expand the grid’s transmission infrastructure quickly enough could delay up to 80 percent of the emission reductions projected from the Inflation Reduction Act, as analyzed by Princeton University. Moreover, extreme weather events such as wildfires, flooding, and storms further strain the grid.
The challenge of deploying additional transmission capacity quickly is multi-faceted. Permitting and construction timelines for even short transmission projects can take years, while more ambitious multi-state projects can take a decade or longer, with a high chance of not even being built, all at a cost of billions of dollars. Consequently, much-needed short-term transmission buildouts may not be ready until the late 2030s, despite the recognition by Biden administration officials and lawmakers of the need for faster action.
Fortunately, existing technology can bridge the gap in timelines. Grid enhancing technologies, such as dynamic line ratings, enable more energy to flow along existing networks. Dynamic line ratings have been proven to increase transmission capacity by up to 40 percent compared to current levels. This significant jump can unlock more clean energy resources on the grid to meet the growing demand for electrification. These technologies have deployment timelines measured in months, at a fraction of the cost of new transmission line buildouts. They can also be installed while transmission lines remain operational, providing monitoring capabilities for infrastructure efficiency and reliability during extreme weather events.
Expanding the grid’s transmission capacity requires a comprehensive approach, including new transmission lines, upgrades to existing infrastructure, and the deployment of grid enhancing technologies. Congress and the Biden administration have the opportunity to embrace policies that promote the use of these technologies alongside the broader debate on permitting and transmission infrastructure deployment.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) plays a crucial role in this effort. While FERC has taken steps to streamline the interconnection process for new generations, it has yet to align incentives for utilities to accelerate the adoption of grid enhancing technologies. FERC can address this by following through with a notice of inquiry on dynamic line ratings, as previously issued. Congress can also support FERC’s efforts through legislative action that encourages the use of grid enhancing technologies.
As the Inflation Reduction Act celebrates its one year mark, swift action is needed to expand grid capacity and remove roadblocks. Policies that elevate and promote grid enhancing technologies are essential for a much-needed transmission buildout. These technologies offer low-hanging fruit in our pursuit of cost-effective and reliable climate solutions.
Note: Philip Giudice served as special assistant to the president for climate policy during the startup of the Biden-Harris administration and currently serves on the board of directors for LineVision, Inc.
Original Story at thehill.com – 2023-08-26 15:00:00
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