In a significant move to reinforce the nation's electric infrastructure, almost $3.5 billion will be allocated to enhance the resilience and reliability of the electric grid, benefiting 58 projects spanning 44 states.
This influx of funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aims to leverage over $8 billion from the federal and private sectors. The goal is to ensure a consistent electricity supply across the nation, especially during extreme weather events that have been aggravated by climate change. The Department of Energy (DOE) highlights this as the most substantial investment ever for the U.S. electric grid.
This funding initiative is a Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program segment. Supervised by the DOE’s Grid Deployment Office, the program's mission includes:
The modernization of the electric grid.
Enhancing the flexibility, efficiency, and reliability of the electric power system.
Developing innovative transmission, storage, and distribution solutions to boost electric reliability.
Of the broader $10.5 billion earmarked for the GRIP Program, the announced $3.46 billion signifies the initial selection round.
Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm stated, “Extreme weather events fueled by climate change will continue to strain the nation’s aging transmission systems, but President Biden’s Investing in America agenda will ensure America’s power grid can provide reliable, affordable power.” She added, "Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever direct investment in critical grid infrastructure, supporting projects that will harden systems, improve energy reliability and affordability — all while generating union jobs for highly skilled workers.”
The DOE outlines that the investment will usher in over 35 gigawatts of fresh renewable energy, channel funds into 400 microgrids, and support and establish well-compensated union jobs. Notably, three-quarters of the projects will collaborate with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Further emphasizing social equity, every project chosen in this primary funding phase abides by the Justice40 commitments. This is a Biden administration-led initiative designed to address the longstanding underinvestment in disadvantaged communities.
Among the states benefiting from this funding, projects are set to roll out in Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Oregon:
In Georgia, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority will team up with the Family of Companies to support the state's electric cooperatives. They'll focus on a $507 million project aiming at a comprehensive smart grid infrastructure overhaul, promising enhanced reliability and cost reductions.
Louisiana focuses on empowering disadvantaged communities to endure extreme weather events better. They're undertaking a strategic partnership involving 15 governmental bodies, energy corporations, community groups, and academic institutions.
Detroit, Michigan, will witness the launch of adaptive networked microgrids responsive to real-time energy demand and supply shifts, especially post-extreme weather incidents.
Pennsylvania's initiative is geared towards the incorporation of distributed energy resources and real-time grid control. This will diminish outage durations and frequencies, create numerous jobs, and elevate the electric service reliability for over 800,000 residents.
Finally, Oregon is launching multiple projects that will channel considerable amounts of clean energy to consumers, simultaneously generating well-paid union positions.
Samira is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, but deep inside, her heart is a nomad! She's a state champion debater, a public speaker, a scriptwriter, a theater actress, but most importantly — A GREEN CITIZEN! She thinks of herself as a storyteller who thrives on enjoying the life at fullest and telling everyone the tales of life.
Business & Policies ,
U.S. Electric Grid Boosted with Record $3.5 Billion Funding
by : Samira Tasneem | Published: October 24, 2023
Unprecedented $3.5B funds the U.S. electric grid across 44 states, addressing climate change threats. Will this reshape America’s energy resilience?
In a significant move to reinforce the nation's electric infrastructure, almost $3.5 billion will be allocated to enhance the resilience and reliability of the electric grid, benefiting 58 projects spanning 44 states.
This influx of funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aims to leverage over $8 billion from the federal and private sectors. The goal is to ensure a consistent electricity supply across the nation, especially during extreme weather events that have been aggravated by climate change. The Department of Energy (DOE) highlights this as the most substantial investment ever for the U.S. electric grid.
This funding initiative is a Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program segment. Supervised by the DOE’s Grid Deployment Office, the program's mission includes:
Of the broader $10.5 billion earmarked for the GRIP Program, the announced $3.46 billion signifies the initial selection round.
The DOE outlines that the investment will usher in over 35 gigawatts of fresh renewable energy, channel funds into 400 microgrids, and support and establish well-compensated union jobs. Notably, three-quarters of the projects will collaborate with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Further emphasizing social equity, every project chosen in this primary funding phase abides by the Justice40 commitments. This is a Biden administration-led initiative designed to address the longstanding underinvestment in disadvantaged communities.
Among the states benefiting from this funding, projects are set to roll out in Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Oregon:
In Georgia, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority will team up with the Family of Companies to support the state's electric cooperatives. They'll focus on a $507 million project aiming at a comprehensive smart grid infrastructure overhaul, promising enhanced reliability and cost reductions.
Louisiana focuses on empowering disadvantaged communities to endure extreme weather events better. They're undertaking a strategic partnership involving 15 governmental bodies, energy corporations, community groups, and academic institutions.
Detroit, Michigan, will witness the launch of adaptive networked microgrids responsive to real-time energy demand and supply shifts, especially post-extreme weather incidents.
Pennsylvania's initiative is geared towards the incorporation of distributed energy resources and real-time grid control. This will diminish outage durations and frequencies, create numerous jobs, and elevate the electric service reliability for over 800,000 residents.
Finally, Oregon is launching multiple projects that will channel considerable amounts of clean energy to consumers, simultaneously generating well-paid union positions.
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Samira Tasneem
Samira is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, but deep inside, her heart is a nomad! She's a state champion debater, a public speaker, a scriptwriter, a theater actress, but most importantly — A GREEN CITIZEN! She thinks of herself as a storyteller who thrives on enjoying the life at fullest and telling everyone the tales of life.
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