popular articles

U.S. Transmission Infrastructure Threatens Energy Transition

The lack of transmission infrastructure in the United States is hampering the expansion of renewable energy, according to industry experts, and could compromise decarbonation goals.

Please share:

One of the main obstacles to the expansion of renewable energy in the United States is the lack of adequate power transmission infrastructure. Currently, the grid is divided into ten distinct regions, limiting the capacity to transport energy produced in rural areas to consumption centers. According to Jason Grumet, CEO of American Clean Power, this fragmentation undermines the country’s energy transition goals.

Regions rich in renewable energy, such as the Midwest and Texas, have a surplus of wind and solar power, but the absence of long-distance transmission lines hampers distribution to urban areas on the East Coast, where demand is high. This structural imbalance results in frequent power outages and highlights energy security risks, exacerbated by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

Urgent Need for Regulatory Reforms

To address the need for a more flexible and resilient grid, industry players believe that in-depth regulatory reform is essential. New transmission projects face delays of several years due to complex approval procedures and opposition from some local communities. The lack of federal coordination further complicates the situation.

Recent reforms introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) include incentives for the expansion of energy infrastructure, but these measures are insufficient to address current structural bottlenecks. Administrative hurdles continue to hinder major projects, delaying the integration of renewable energy and, consequently, the country’s decarbonation efforts.

Energy Transition and the Role of Natural Gas

Meanwhile, the role of natural gas remains central to the U.S. energy mix. Although gas is seen as a “bridge” to a fully decarbonated grid, its presence has become essential to stabilize electricity supply during the transition period. Grid operators such as PJM Interconnection warn that the rapid closure of coal plants, coupled with increased electricity demand, is putting additional pressure on existing infrastructure.

The situation is even more critical in regions dependent on gas, such as New York and New England, where nearly 60% of electricity is produced by gas-fired or dual-fuel facilities. Despite the rise of renewables, experts warn that the lack of adequate storage resources and complete transmission capacity could lead to increased electricity price volatility.

Opportunities and Challenges of the IRA

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022, represents a significant attempt to redirect investments towards more modern energy infrastructure. The plan, primarily focused on renewables, offers tax credits for transmission and storage projects. However, the unequal distribution of these benefits is generating political tensions, with 80% of credits benefiting Republican districts.

Despite initial concerns over the IRA’s viability, long-term funding and support prospects remain positive. However, challenges extend beyond financing: dependence on foreign supply chains, particularly in China, also poses a risk of delays in project implementation.

Towards a New Grid Model?

To address these deficits, some experts recommend a complete overhaul of the grid, aiming to transform it into a national integrated infrastructure capable of efficiently transporting electricity across the country. Transitioning to a more interconnected network will require overcoming current political and economic barriers, as well as a collective willingness from different stakeholders.

In the short term, energy companies, including those historically focused on fossil fuels, are gradually adapting their strategies to incorporate more renewable sources. However, without massive investment in transmission infrastructure, these efforts may remain limited and compromise the overall U.S. decarbonation ambitions.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The European Court of Auditors warns of the urgency of massive investments in the Union’s ageing power grids, hampered by administrative delays and inadequate planning.
Several lawmakers and former energy executives are demanding a moratorium on PPE3, criticising a plan they view as disconnected from current economic and geopolitical realities.
Several lawmakers and former energy executives are demanding a moratorium on PPE3, criticising a plan they view as disconnected from current economic and geopolitical realities.
The head of Framatome will be heard on 30 April by both chambers to validate his nomination to lead EDF, following the non-renewal of Luc Rémont by the executive.
The head of Framatome will be heard on 30 April by both chambers to validate his nomination to lead EDF, following the non-renewal of Luc Rémont by the executive.
Following a series of major electricity outages on the island of Upolu, the Samoan government has declared a state of emergency to prioritise essential services and mobilise foreign aid.
Following a series of major electricity outages on the island of Upolu, the Samoan government has declared a state of emergency to prioritise essential services and mobilise foreign aid.
The Minister of Industry and Energy expressed openness to a debate and a vote on the 2025–2035 energy strategy, amid criticism from opposition parties over the lack of democratic consultation.
France’s Ministry of Industry and Energy postpones the 2025 energy voucher to November, citing delayed budget approval and announcing revised allocation rules.
France’s Ministry of Industry and Energy postpones the 2025 energy voucher to November, citing delayed budget approval and announcing revised allocation rules.
France’s decarbonisation pace slowed significantly in 2024, according to Citepa, putting its 2030 climate targets at risk.
France’s decarbonisation pace slowed significantly in 2024, according to Citepa, putting its 2030 climate targets at risk.
Luc Rémont was dismissed as head of EDF by the French executive due to disagreements over industrial contract strategy and financing of the EPR2 nuclear programme.
Luc Rémont was dismissed as head of EDF by the French executive due to disagreements over industrial contract strategy and financing of the EPR2 nuclear programme.
Just Stop Oil will end its high-profile actions after one of its core demands was integrated into the British government's energy policy.
The surge in solar production and the slow upgrade of electricity infrastructure are blocking thousands of projects in the Netherlands, affecting energy security and consumer costs.
The surge in solar production and the slow upgrade of electricity infrastructure are blocking thousands of projects in the Netherlands, affecting energy security and consumer costs.
The development of French power grids is facing a structural shortage of skilled labour, despite €200bn in projected investments by 2040.
The development of French power grids is facing a structural shortage of skilled labour, despite €200bn in projected investments by 2040.
Luc Rémont's departure exposes ongoing disagreements between EDF and the French State over electricity pricing for industry and the financing terms of the nuclear programme.
Luc Rémont's departure exposes ongoing disagreements between EDF and the French State over electricity pricing for industry and the financing terms of the nuclear programme.
The European Investment Bank approves a final tranche of PLN1.7bn for Orlen to modernise electricity distribution infrastructure in Poland via its subsidiary Energa Operator.
Luc Rémont is replaced as head of EDF as French manufacturers criticise a pricing strategy seen as incompatible with national industrial competitiveness.
Luc Rémont is replaced as head of EDF as French manufacturers criticise a pricing strategy seen as incompatible with national industrial competitiveness.
Luc Rémont will not be reappointed as Chairman of Électricité de France, two years after his nomination, despite record profits in 2024 and the revival of the nuclear fleet.
Luc Rémont will not be reappointed as Chairman of Électricité de France, two years after his nomination, despite record profits in 2024 and the revival of the nuclear fleet.
The French government has appointed Bernard Fontana to lead EDF, relying on his experience in nuclear energy and energy-intensive industries, amid strategic restructuring and rising tariff pressures.
The French government has appointed Bernard Fontana to lead EDF, relying on his experience in nuclear energy and energy-intensive industries, amid strategic restructuring and rising tariff pressures.
Kazakhmys, the leading copper producer in Kazakhstan, partially suspends its operations after the death of eight workers. The company is conducting an inspection of its facilities to ensure operational safety.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) warns of the potentially devastating consequences of a power plant project near its telescopes in the Atacama Desert, highlighting irreversible light pollution.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) warns of the potentially devastating consequences of a power plant project near its telescopes in the Atacama Desert, highlighting irreversible light pollution.
The recent elections in Greenland resulted in a victory for the Demokraatit party, which advocates gradual independence from Denmark and increased support for the exploitation of natural resources, prioritizing the mining and energy sectors. This election comes amid heightened international tensions, notably due to proposals by Donald Trump to annex the territory.
The recent elections in Greenland resulted in a victory for the Demokraatit party, which advocates gradual independence from Denmark and increased support for the exploitation of natural resources, prioritizing the mining and energy sectors. This election comes amid heightened international tensions, notably due to proposals by Donald Trump to annex the territory.
In January 2025, Italy recorded a trade deficit of €264 million, largely attributed to the rising energy costs, according to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat).
In January 2025, Italy recorded a trade deficit of €264 million, largely attributed to the rising energy costs, according to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat).
Nigerien authorities have ordered the expulsion of three Chinese executives from oil companies and shut down a hotel owned by a Chinese company. This decision is part of a policy aimed at strengthening national control over the country’s energy resources.
The French government has issued a decree expanding the use of treated wastewater to industrial and nuclear sectors, aiming to reduce pressure on water resources.
The French government has issued a decree expanding the use of treated wastewater to industrial and nuclear sectors, aiming to reduce pressure on water resources.
An incident in a private power plant caused a nationwide blackout in Panama on Saturday night. The national power grid was severely impacted, leading to an interruption in the potable water supply. Authorities are investigating the causes of the event.
An incident in a private power plant caused a nationwide blackout in Panama on Saturday night. The national power grid was severely impacted, leading to an interruption in the potable water supply. Authorities are investigating the causes of the event.
UK greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 3.6% in 2024, marking a slowdown in the pace of reduction. The end of coal usage in electricity production and the rise in electric vehicles contributed to this trend.
UK greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 3.6% in 2024, marking a slowdown in the pace of reduction. The end of coal usage in electricity production and the rise in electric vehicles contributed to this trend.

Advertising