Grid Infrastructure Faces the Future: Plans for 2025
Transmission expansion, advanced grid tech, and storm response are critical priorities for the new year.
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The U.S. power grid faces significant challenges and opportunities in 2025. The grid must adapt to increasing renewable energy loads, advancements in technology, and the growing threat of extreme weather events. Simultaneously, there’s a pressing need for transmission and distribution expansions to meet rising energy demands.
Renewable Energy Growth and Transmission Expansion
The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts a 31% increase in solar generation in 2025, surpassing hydroelectric output for the first time. To support this growth, the Department of Energy has awarded $1.5 billion to projects that will add 7.1 GW of capacity and nearly 1,000 miles of power lines across several states.
The U.S. transmission system is expected to double in size between 2020 and 2050, with interregional transmission growing by 1.9 to 3.5 times. Regional transmission organizations are planning significant upgrades, including new substations, line reconductoring, and voltage support additions.
Rebuilding After Extreme Weather Events
Recent hurricanes like Milton and Helene have caused extensive damage to transmission infrastructure in the Southeast. Utilities are working to rebuild and upgrade their systems to be more resilient. For instance, Duke Energy restored power to 1.1 million customers within 48 hours of Hurricane Helene but faces a full-scale rebuild in some areas.
Advanced Grid Technologies and Storm-Hardening
Utilities are deploying grid-enhancing technologies such as remote sensors, voltage optimization systems, and advanced communication and control systems. These upgrades are already showing results. Florida Power & Light’s smart grid technology avoided 900,000 outages during recent hurricanes, while Duke Energy’s self-healing technology prevented 300,000 outages and 300 million minutes of downtime.
Storm-hardening efforts are also a priority, particularly in hurricane-prone states. This includes burying power lines where practical and hardening existing infrastructure. Duke Energy Florida, for example, plans to target 15,000 poles and structures annually for hardening.
Source: EE Power
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