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Unlock 2,600 Gigawatts: The Untapped Potential of America’s Power Grid

US electricity consumption is surging, driven by data centers, manufacturing, and electric vehicles. To meet this demand, we need to build power plants and expand the grid rapidly. However, securing permits for new transmission lines is slow and expensive, creating a bottleneck. Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs) offer a solution by enhancing the capacity and efficiency of the existing grid. These technologies could unlock nearly 2,600 gigawatts of backlogged projects, saving billions for consumers. ATTs include dynamic line ratings, high-performance conductors, topology optimization, and advanced power flow control devices. For example, dynamic line ratings can increase capacity by over 50% for just $45,000 per mile, a fraction of the cost of new lines. Despite their potential, the current regulatory system discourages their adoption, as utilities profit more from large investments. Policy changes are needed to incentivize ATTs, potentially saving consumers billions annually.

Source: www.technologyreview.com

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