Smart Grid
Recent developments around grid modernization strive to enable greater adoption of clean energy resources while ensuring a more resilient and responsive grid.
The U.S. is on the verge of a boom in transmission projects driven by a massive buildout of renewable energy generation and an increase in federal transmission planning initiatives. Several long-distance power lines, such as the Champlain Hudson and SunZia, have reached major permitting milestones after years of planning and review.
Recent long-term resource plans of several electric utilities include accelerated timelines to develop renewables or retire coal-generation fleet, reflecting the impact of policy changes ensuing from 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA includes provisions to support the transition of the U.S. electricity generation fleet to cleaner energy sources and lower carbon emissions.
Federal and state agencies across the U.S. are boosting efforts to support electric vehicles (EVs) through zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) goals and decarbonization mandates. EVs are poised to play a significant role in the transition to a decarbonized economy by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Ambitious federal goals and initiatives, coupled with state commitments, are driving the transition to a low-carbon future across the U.S. Investments and tax incentives included in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have added new momentum to the renewable and clean energy industries including offshore wind, nuclear power, and distributed solar.…. Read the full report…...
Demand response (DR) continues to garner attention as a key reliability tool amid the ongoing transition to renewable energy, increased electrification, and extreme weather. Traditionally intended to shed load and prevent blackouts during peak demand periods, DR is increasingly valued for its ability to address imbalances caused by the variability in wind and solar generation.
Ambitious clean energy and reliability goals continue to drive grid modernization efforts ranging from proposed rules to encourage utility investments in cybersecurity to a $10.5 billion initiative to enhance grid resilience.
Federal and state initiatives to foster the growth of electric vehicles are on the rise, depicting the critical role that the transportation sector is poised to play in achieving climate goals and building a clean economy.
Across the U.S., transmission development initiatives are advancing at a swift pace to deliver on state policy objectives. Transmission expansion is essential to improve the integration of renewable energy and allow better utilization of intermittent, zero-carbon resources like solar and wind.
The hydrogen market is changing amid federal and state initiatives to harness the technology to support decarbonization. Investing in clean hydrogen is viewed as a key component of efforts to progress towards the Biden administration's target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Utility resource plans continue to manifest the changing power generation mix as more states pursue zero-carbon goals. The shift drives the need for innovative policy initiatives that optimize renewable energy sources and enhance grid reliability.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), passed by the U.S. Congress on Aug. 12, includes a historic $369 billion investment in energy security and climate change programs over the next ten years.