DOE makes $1.5 billion investment in four critical transmission projects, taking important step facilitating the clean energy transition
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) just announced a $1.5 billion investment in four important transmission projects, “a crucial action for both near- and long-term transmission planning to enable clean energy deployment,” said Nicole Pavia, Director of Clean Energy Infrastructure Deployment at Clean Air Task Force (CATF).
The funding comes as part of a second round of funding from the $2.5 billion Transmission Facilitation Program, a revolving fund that facilitates construction of electricity transmission lines using capacity contracts, public private partnerships, or loans. In addition, DOE’s Grid Deployment Office unveiled its long-awaited National Transmission Planning Study, highlighting the critical role of transmission grid expansion and enhancing interregional planning and deployment to decarbonizing the grid, reduce costs, and improve grid resilience and security.
Pavia continued: “Transmission is critical to a clean energy economy, and it requires concerted financing and planning. DOE’s commitment to invest in these four transmission projects addresses the immediate financing challenges that have long hindered key transmission projects, bringing much-needed certainty to infrastructure deployment. Moreover, the new transmission planning study reinforces the long-term benefits of regional and interregional transmission planning and deployment. We look forward to collaborating with DOE and other stakeholders to advance transmission expansion that underpins a reliable, resilient, and decarbonized energy system.”
The study identifies key areas where interregional transmission capacity expansion is sorely needed, providing additional details for utilities and grid planners looking to fast-track interregional transmission development. This underscores the urgent need to expand U.S. transmission capacity to meet future demand, boost reliability, and achieve decarbonization goals at the lowest possible cost. The study also finds that accelerating transmission buildout in line with ambitious climate goals could save the national electricity system $270–490 billion through 2050.
CATF has continually highlighted the importance of interregional planning for connecting new low-carbon generation across state lines. Earlier this year, CATF released a report identifying concrete opportunities to improve transmission permitting while safeguarding vulnerable communities and the environment. The report stresses the importance of prioritizing transmission development to ease congestion, maintain affordable electricity, interconnect new clean energy resources, achieve decarbonization goals, and strengthen the grid against weather and security threats.
CATF is committed to collaborating with government and industry partners to realize the vision of a stronger, more interconnected grid. To learn more about CATF’s work on clean energy infrastructure deployment, visit https://www.catf.us/infrastructure-deployment/
Contatto con la stampa
Natalie Volk, Communications Manager, [email protected], +1 703-785-9580
Circa Clean Air Task Force
Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a global nonprofit organization working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalyzing the rapid development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. With more than 25 years of internationally recognized expertise on climate policy and a fierce commitment to exploring all potential solutions, CATF is a pragmatic, non-ideological advocacy group with the bold ideas needed to address climate change. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world. Visit catf.us and follow @cleanaircatf.
