Grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) are playing a critical role in modernising the US power system by improving transmission efficiency, increasing grid reliability, and enabling greater integration of renewable energy resources. The report “Unlocking Transmission Efficiency through Grid Enhancement Solutions”, published by the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs highlights the need to modernise and optimise the US electricity transmission network amid rising power demand, ageing infrastructure, growing renewable energy integration, and increasing grid congestion.
Key highlights from the paper are as follows:
- Power grid enhancement solutions, including GETs such as dynamic line ratings, advanced power flow control devices, and advanced conductors, along with modern control automation, can unlock substantial additional transmission capacity from existing infrastructure, often at a fraction of the cost of building new infrastructure and in months rather than years.
- Deployment remains limited due to a misalignment between utility incentives and business models, data access barriers, and regulatory structures that financially reward capital-intensive investments over operational efficiency.
- To address these obstacles, three near-term actions include advancing performance-based regulation, strengthening public power mandates for improved grid utilization, and modernizing planning processes.
- Sustained leadership from C-suite executives, boards, regulators, and other key stakeholders, along with clear articulation of the value proposition of grid-enhancing solutions, can help expedite the changes needed to unlock near-term deployments that can play a critical role in meeting growing electricity demand.
Access the paper here