The Department of Energy (DOE) has released a report suggesting that building massive power lines in the Atlantic Ocean could connect new offshore wind farms and onshore electricity grids from Maine to South Carolina. The study, conducted two years in the making from DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, found that a connected offshore wind network could reduce grid congestion onshore and increase reliability of the electricity system. It also allows power to flow to areas of high demand when needed, reducing electricity costs for consumers. The report suggests standard high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology for power lines to be compatible across different offshore wind projects, states, and transmission cable vendors. The action plan also includes coordination with states on an offshore wind transmission network by 2030 and industry standardization of HVDC transmission technology.
Solar Dominates US Energy Capacity Growth
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has published data showing that solar accounted for over 75% of US electrical generating
