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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The New York Times or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: A study suggests that upgrading existing power lines with advanced materials could significantly enhance the U.S. power grid's capacity, easing one of the major bottlenecks in adopting clean energy
🔭 The context: Traditional power lines, used for over a century, can be replaced with advanced conductors to double their current capacity
• This approach, known as "advanced reconductoring," is already utilized in other countries but has been slow to catch on in the U.S. due to regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Doubling the grid's capacity is crucial for integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the national grid, aligning with efforts to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels
⏭️ What's next: With the potential to expedite the clean energy transition, reconductoring could allow for the integration of renewable projects currently stalled by grid limitations
• Legislative incentives in states like Montana and Virginia are encouraging utilities to adopt this technology
💬 One quote: "We’re seeing a lot more interest in grid-enhancing technologies, whether it’s reconductoring or other options. There’s a sense of urgency," (Pedro Pizarro, President and CEO of Edison International)
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