Credit: Evgeniy Alyoshin/Unsplash
31 May
A simple upgrade could expand the US electricity grid
A straightforward solution could double the capacity of the U.S. electricity grid, enabling a more efficient transition to renewable energy.
Shannon Osaka reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Replacing old steel power lines with new carbon-fiber ones can double the power capacity without building new infrastructure.
- The new wires, which sag less under heat, could handle increased electricity demands from renewable sources.
- Regulatory changes and federal goals aim to expedite these upgrades, addressing grid congestion.
Key quote:
“This is something that could be a triple win. A win for the electricity system, a win for utilities and a win for consumers.”
— Brian Deese, innovation fellow at MIT
Why this matters:
Upgrading existing power lines with advanced materials is a cost-effective and rapid solution to enhance the electricity grid's capacity. This approach supports the integration of renewable energy sources, crucial for combating climate change and meeting growing energy demands.
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