Grid connection queues threaten US renewables goals
Concerns about pace of expansion as average wait time for renewable power projects seeking grid connections reaches almost four years
A lack of power transmission capacity threatens the ability of the US to meet its renewable energy targets, but the energy permitting bill proposed by Democratic Senator Joe Manchin could significantly improve the outlook for transmission projects if it passes Congress. By the end of 2021, 930GW of solar and wind projects were seeking to connect to the US grid, data from the Department of Energy’s Berkeley Lab show. This represents most of the capacity needed for the US to achieve its target of zero-carbon electricity by 2035. A report by non-profit Gridlab estimates 1,100GW of new wind and solar would be needed to achieve a 90pc-clean grid by 2035. The average queue time is almost four year

Also in this section
30 November 2023
Negative pricing has become more frequent in European energy markets, and GB markets are now experiencing a similar increase
29 November 2023
Preparations underway for inclusion of cement, aluminium and steel producers in world’s largest compliance market by 2030
28 November 2023
European Commission earmarks cross-border projects for funding and fast-tracks carbon management strategy as pressure grows to kickstart CCS sector
27 November 2023
Progress in decarbonisation but significant challenges lie ahead