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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on MIT Technology Review or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Michael Skelly, the energy entrepreneur behind Clean Line Energy Partners, is making a comeback with a new transmission line project, the North Plains Connector
• This 420-mile line would link the US's two largest grids, enabling more renewable energy to flow across regions and improving grid resilience
🔭 The context: Skelly’s previous company faced setbacks due to opposition and regulatory challenges, but now the market and policymakers are recognizing the need for more transmission lines to support the renewable energy transition
• His new company, Grid United, has already secured utility and landowner support for the project
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Connecting grids would allow operators to draw on renewable resources like wind, solar, and hydro from different regions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and stabilizing power systems during extreme weather events, crucial for cutting emissions and addressing climate risks
⏭️ What's next: With $700 million in funding from the Department of Energy, Grid United will begin applying for permits soon and aims to complete the line by 2032
• However, challenges remain, as transmission projects often face regulatory and local opposition
💬 One quote: "We need more wires in the air," said Michael Skelly, highlighting the urgent need for new transmission capacity to meet growing electricity demand and renewable energy integration
📈 One stat: A Lawrence Berkeley National Lab study found that linking US grids could provide over $100 million in annual savings for each additional gigawatt of capacity
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