The article discusses the need for federal policymakers to invest in the U.S. electricity grid, citing the importance of the Interstate Highway System, which could save lives, increase economic benefits, and enhance national security. The National Bureau of Economic Research estimates that without this, the GDP would decline by upwards of $578 billion. The article also highlights the need to modernize and expand the US transmission network with high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines, which can improve efficiency, resilience, and system flexibility. European grid operators have deployed about 50 GW of advanced HVDC technology and plan to plan another 130 GW over the next decade. North America accounts for only 3% of all advanced HvdC systems in operation globally. The report suggests that the supply chain for key grid components is becoming increasingly constrained due to rising European demand and delays for large power transformers.
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
