Report On Barriers And Opportunities For High Voltage Transmission

In its Report on Barriers and Opportunities for High Voltage Transmission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) provides a strong endorsement of large-scale transmission, stating that, “high voltage transmission can improve the reliability and resilience of the transmission system by allowing utilities to share generating resources, enhance the stability of the existing transmission system, aid with restoration and recovery after an event, and improve frequency response and ancillary services throughout the existing system.” The report notes that it is estimated the US will require between $3 and $7 billion in additional annual transmission investment through the year 2030 to meet electrification needs, beyond the investments necessary to maintain the existing transmission system and integrate renewable resources. FERC also touted the climate benefits of transmission, highlighting that “transmission can help states achieve their renewable portfolio standards (RPSs) and renewable portfolio goals” and that “high voltage transmission can help states achieve their greenhouse-gas emission reduction targets” by increasing the availability of carbon-free energy and facilitating the replacement of fossil fuels. FERC also found that “transmission investments improve competition in wholesale markets by reducing congestion and allowing the lowest-cost resources to compete.” In the report, FERC also examined opportunities for future transmission expansion, including the co-location of transmission along existing rights of way, such as railroads or highways, noting that “co-location of transmission in transportation corridors could reduce both the negative effects caused by a project and the cost of project development.”

Report On Barriers And Opportunities For High Voltage Transmission