The U.S. desperately needs more transmission infrastructure. A 2023 report commissioned by Americans for a Clean Energy Grid found that the 36 projects readying to break ground at the time represented approximately 10% of the necessary investment for a decarbonized, reliable grid. One of the projects listed in the report is a $7 billion transmission line that has been developing for a decade. It will enable the transportation of Kansas-generated solar and wind power across the Midwest to power pools covering states like Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, thereby connecting grids managed by several transmission cooperatives and regional transmission organizations: the Southwest Power Pool, the Associated Electric Cooperative Incorporated, and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator. States in those transmission systems, such as Iowa, will therefore feel the benefits. The line is also expected to facilitate the construction of $20 billion in additional energy infrastructure, create 22,300 direct jobs, and save energy consumers $11.3 billion over 15 years. Although this is the most recent investment into transmission, it is far from the only one. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program has also provided more than $7.6 billion in funding for similar projects.
(Bloomberg) —
The Biden administration is offering a $4.9 billion conditional loan guarantee for a high-voltage transmission line project spanning Kansas to Missouri.
The funding being offered to Grain Belt Express LLC could be overturned by the incoming Trump administration if not finalized by the Jan. 20 inauguration. The 2,500-megawatt line, being developed by privately held Invenergy LLC, would connect multiple regional power networks and strengthen grid reliance, the Energy Department said on Monday.
Long-distance lines are needed to cart robust but remote solar and wind power to cities — and to help boost electric capacity at a time of mounting demand.
© 2024 Bloomberg L.P.
