The U.S. is facing a major challenge in its energy sector as the continued threats of outages from storms and prolonged cold snaps put pressure on the electric grid and the economy. To combat this issue, the Biden administration has announced $3.5 billion in grants for clean energy projects that aim to promote renewable energy and combat climate change. However, there are concerns about rising costs, development challenges, and regulatory obstacles that could hinder progress.
In the first episode of Accelerating Energy, host Ken Irvin, a partner at Sidley, talks with Larry Gasteiger, Executive Director of WIRES, a nonprofit trade association promoting investment in the North American electric transmission system. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of energy transmission as the U.S. seeks to electrify its economy and enhance grid resilience.
The conversation highlights the importance of addressing the challenges facing the electric grid and investing in energy transmission infrastructure to support clean energy projects and ensure grid resilience. It also emphasizes the need to overcome regulatory roadblocks to achieve these goals. As the U.S. focuses on transitioning to renewable energy sources, this episode provides valuable insights into the obstacles that must be addressed to achieve these goals.
Overall, this episode serves as an introduction to the issues surrounding energy transmission and potential solutions that can support a more sustainable and resilient energy system in America.